Our Baby

*Wes can't help but give a little laugh as his brother enters the room.*

"I'm no sure if I am more scaired or excited."

*Wes continues to listen to his brother talk finding Mick shairing his own experinces to be a little comforting. Though he was still a baskit of nerves his brother presence was welcome and helped having someone to talk to.

The minutes drag on, and the hours seem like an eternity. Wes continues his silent praying that his wife and child would be ok. While talking to Mick, and trying to keep him mind on other things while stay out of the way.

As the baby's cry echos through the office Wes snaps his head twords the door and stands. Ignoring his brothers pround look Wes wairs a smile of his own.*

"Thats our baby..."

*Just standing for a long moment Wes stairs at the closed door untill Becky opens it and lets him know its ok. Turning to look at Mick Wes smiles and than heads back into the other room.

Entering the room slowly Wes' smile grows as his eyes rest on Cindy and there new baby. Now Wes smile beaming even more and the pride that shown in his eyes as her looked down on his daughter and wife. Moving closer to the bed Wes puts on arm behind Cindy as he sides onto the edge. Never had he thought she looks more radeint than at this moment. Taking his rough hand Wes gently runs it over the small babys forhead and around her small cheek cheek making sure this prescuse gift infront of him was not a dream.*

"Our baby girl....look at our baby girl."

*Giving Cindy a squeeze and a kiss to the forhead he leans his head on hers as the look down apone that treasure infront of them.*

*Angel stands cleaning up for a moment and watching the two pround new parents. For a moment Angel's mind goes back to when she first had Wendy and how her father hadent been there but Trent was and that was good enough. Wendy was her world and so was Luke, Angel loved he looked at her like his own daughter. Now if only the title would match.

Giving another smile and a sigh Angel leavs the room and closes the door behind her letting the family get to know there newest member. Walking out onto the pourch Angel lets out a long sigh and looks around the ranch. How things had changed, and how life had moved on offering more hope to those who had little.*

*Misty takes note to the life that was missing from Kyle's eyes showing how searouse he was. Giving a nod Misty shows she agree's with Kyle and will help as much as she can.

Opening the car door Misty throws Kyle another smile trying to hid the consern her had about the cough he was now contracting.*

"Food sounds good, I'm starved lets go."

*Getting out of the car Misty closes her door than goes to Kyle's playfuly opening it for him.*

"Well ya coming or what I have been waiting all day."

*Jess slowly opens her eyes as the bright sun shines into the window. Stairing at the white wall with her back to the door she trys to get her bearings for a moment. Remebering where she was as a bit of pain surges through her Jess closes her eyes again. She still hurt all over and just wanted to sleep. Nothing alse but sleep, and make everything go away.

The dark rings under Jess eyes tell the story that she hadn't slept very well that night. Waking up many times from horrable nightmares, and sounds she dident know. If they let her Jess just wanted to stay in the bed forever. Closing her eyes Jess fights the emotions, the feelings, the anger and pain.*

Labor

Kyle lets out a long sigh at the news of the cancellation, though seems to have known that would probably happen.

At Misty’s suggestion of Katie or then herself, he quirks an eyebrow, keeping his gaze on the road. He knew there were options. The other guys knew it too. But Kyle knew that the other three had probably talked more amongst themselves and most likely felt it was too big of a risk to go ahead with the concert. Kyle had been surprised they’d even agreed to asking Rocky. Him not being able to come was simply a prime out for them.

Kyle slowly shakes his head and takes back his phone to close it. “Sounds good to me…try convincing the guys.” He purses his lips in thought. “How ‘bout me on keyboard one-handed…you on vocals as another pair of eyes from stage. We go ahead with the show…” He pauses, coughing a little and wincing. “…as bait. I know they’re gonna strike again…I can feel it.”

Coming up on the Mexican restaurant, he parks, but doesn’t get out of the truck. He turns to Misty, the mischief gone from his eyes. “We need to do this…to stop the Agency. They’ll come…the guys will say we’re endangering the public, but…the Agency is after me or Jen, no one else, and they send experts.” He swallows hard. “Whether it’s a good show or not…we have to act like everything is normal…and get those goons out in the open. With the security we’ll have we have to be able to catch them.”

Without waiting for a response, Kyle’s stubbornness shows through as he opens his phone again to send Phil a text message. “I have backup. The show’s still on. Up to you to come or stay home.”

After sending, Kyle looks back up to Misty. “I’m hungry. We going inside or what?”


Cindy tries to let Angel and Becky keep her calm, though knowing Wes was up front more nervous than she was made her own nerves heighten.

Getting settled in the bed in the back room, the pains grow more severe and frequent, proving that it had not been a false alarm. She can’t help but cry out once, though Becky and Angel are right there to help her through.

Footsteps are heard coming up on the porch, the boots approaching the door. They enter without knocking, then stop. A wry grin spreads on Mick’s face as he sees his brother walking back and forth. “You’re gonna wear a hole in the floor,” he muses teasingly.

Going over to Wes, he puts his hands on his shoulders and sets him down in a chair, sitting next to him. “You pacing isn’t going to make it go any faster. Trust me. I know.” He rolls his eyes. “When Jade came along, Jill was in labor for nine hours. I was a wreck by the time it was all over, and even after everything she’d been through, I dare say she looked in better shape than me.” Mick chuckles a the memory. “It was easier with Dylan.”

He turns to look at Wes, grinning. “Let nature take its course, bro. She and the baby will be fine. They’re in good hands.”

Two hours and much more pacing later, Mick is standing at the window, sipping a glass of water himself after staying with Wes in an attempt to keep him calm and out of the women’s way.

Suddenly a baby’s cry rings out. Mick stops and turns around, a smile spreading as he looks at his brother. Not only was Wes a father, but Mick was an uncle again too.

The next few minutes seem like an eternity, but Becky finally shows up, beaming. She smiles at Wes. “Mother and baby are both fine. Tired, but just fine. Come on and meet your daughter.”

Poor Wes

*As Kyle makes his comment and bolt for the door Misty is right on his tail chasing him and laughing the whole way. Getting close to the car she catches up with him and jumps on his back.*

"Gideup...."

*Making a whip cracking sound her laugh grows till they are finally at the car. Sliding off his back she goes around and gets into the car.*

"Mmmm...Mexican sounds great to me...I...."

*Misty's words stop as she glances down at the text message. Her heart sunk a little reading the news about this weekend. Turning to Kyle her own eyes are filled with the sadness felt. She new this ment the word to Kyle and now it was being taken away.*

"It's from Phil, Kyle. He said Rocky can't make it so the show is canceled."

*Misty lets out a long sigh and looks out the window. As if a lightbulb went off in her her Misty sits up straght quick remembering something.*

"Hey, what about Katie? I hurd her sing that once and she was real good. I know its not the same but it would do so you dident have to cancele. Oh she is doing the sacurity thing hu. Well Heck I would even sing than. I'm not the best but I am by far the worse. I wonder if the guys would go for it. What do you think? I mean it would only be for the one show."

*Wendy pokes her head from the office and giggles hearing he new.*

"I'll get right on it...poor Wes. He's excited and nervouse at the same time."

*Wendy goes back into the office and dials her mom letting her know that Wes and Cindy would be showing up.*

*As Wes drives with Cindy back to the ranch he drives fast but with car trying to avoide any big bumps. As Cindy's hand slips into Wes his own fingers give her hand a gentil squeeze.

Wes can't help but beam at Becky and the mention of being called Daddy. He couldent help but be excited and scaired at the same time.*

"Oh...Becky be gentil...oh Hun watch that stick there I dont want you to trip."

*Wes took the greatest care as he helped Cindy into the office. About to follow them into the back room Wes is cut off and told to wait outside he cant help but grow more nervouse.*

"Is something wrong is that why I can't come in? Is everything ok?"

*Not receving an answer Wes starts to pase the floor. Trying not to worry but everytime he hurd Cindy, or even a bump Wes would jump. Sitting down His leg bounces, standing he pases drinking water glass after glass.*

*Angel smiles at Cindy and cant help but laugh at Wes a little bit.*

"Everything is gonna be ok Cindy. We will get you through this. Poor Wes."

*Angel helps Cindy to the back continuing to talk to her and keep her calm.*

On the way

Cindy's eyes widen at the sound of Wes on the other end of the line. "Wes...Wes, are you okay? What..." He's already telling her he's on his way, then hangs up. She blinks, a wry grin twitching the corner of her mouth, and she shuts her phone off to wait.

Glancing at the clock, she predicts the amount of time it would take for her husband to arrive, and sure enough, it's twice as fast as normal.

As he struggles with the door, Cindy cringes. "Wes...hun....slow down, I..." She watches him go down the hall, then leave the house, only to finally return for her.

Stifling a laugh, Cindy accepts the help to the car. Pulling on her seatbelt, she glances over to Wes. "Now take it easy, just calm down, will you?" How ironic that she was the one telling him to be calm.

As the hit a little bump in the road, Cindy's met with another wave of pain. Holding in a cry, her hand slips over to find Wes', her fingers tightening around his. She might be perfectly calm on the outside, but on the inside she was a bit frightened. Things had not been easy when she'd had Jason so many years ago, and she only prayed that this time around it would be easier.


Clint's eyes widen as he sees Wes laid flat by the phone cord, then stumble around, barely able to talk before he shoots out of the shop. He just stares at the door for a minute before a grin spreads. Looking over to the open door of the office, he calls out. "Hey, Wendy. You might wanna give your mom a call. We got a Henson baby on the way and one father who may need attention as well."

He laughs and shakes his head, leaning back into the engine of the car. Looked like he'd be on his own for this one. He'd have to find the problem himself. Wes wouldn't be back any time soon.


As the truck pulls in to the ranch yard, Cindy has a bit of relief. Parked, and walking slowly to Angel's office, they're met by a smiling Becky who immediately steps in to help. "Well, looks like we're going to have some excitement today after all." She smiles up at Wes, having heard about his frantic behavior from her son. "We might just have to call you Daddy by the end of the day." She tucks an arm around Cindy as they step into Angel's office, guiding her to the back room and directing Wes to stay up in the front room for now.


Kyle's jaw drops in faked shock at Misty's comment, then he recovers, his eyes narrowing with playfulness. Rushing beside her, with his good arm he puts her in a side headlock and drags her down the hall a ways before he finally lets her go with a light shove with his shoulder to make her stagger. "I know," he whispers, "In realty you've missed my...charming...voice." He bats his eyes at her, then sprints for the exit, knowing that he's in trouble now.

Once they're to his truck and pulling out, Kyle hangs a left, not really sure where they're going, but figuring he'll think of somewhere good to go as he sees it.

His phone beeping makes him roll his eyes. Picking it up, he hands it to Misty to read the text message while he drives. "And we're going to go for Mexican food today," he states decidedly. "Unless that's a message from someone inviting us to something better."

The text message is from Jason.
Phil called. Rocky can't come. Show canceled. Relax the weekend. More later.


Luke sits in the tack room, rubbing oil into one of the saddles. It seemed he spent a lot of time here lately...it was one of the few tasks around the barn that he could handle himself.

A spasm of pain shoots down his leg and he holds his breath until it passes, gritting his teeth and continuing to work. It was getting harder to ignore these bouts. A few weeks ago he was up and walking almost like normal. But it didn't take but a couple days for him to be right back where he'd been. Most of the time he walked with a cane. If he went on any outings, he used a wheelchair.

He hated it...he hated feeling helpless, and he hate being helpless around those he cared about.

A tap on the doorway makes him look up and he lifts an eyebrow at Trent. The two men usually avoided each other. Though they never fought, and though much of the tension between them had eventually subsided, they were far from friends.

Luke looks at him with question. "Yeah?"

Trent shrugs and enters, his hands hooked in his pockets. "Cindy's having her baby."

"Oh yeah?" A smile spreads on Luke's face. "Good."

Trent grins a little. "Yeah...Wes is beside himself."

"I bet he is." Luke chuckles and returns to his work. "He's been hyped since they first found out Cindy was pregnant."

Trent can't help his laugh. He steps in a little further and sinks down on another bench, quiet for several moments. "Those two seem pretty happy."

Luke pauses again, now wondering why Trent was sticking around. That wasn't like him. "Yeah, they do. Looks like they were made for each other."

"Mm-hmm..." Trent thinks. "Mick and Rosetta sure look like they're happy too."

Now Luke looks up at Trent, questioning the motive of this conversation. It was rare to chat with him, let alone on a subject such as this. "Yes...they do. Been a long time coming with them."

"I suppose so." Trent looks down, picking at a loose thread on hsi jeans. "So...when are you and Angel gonna tie the knot?"

Luke's shoulders drop and he sighs. "Look, Trent, I don't know what you're getting at, but you know good and well that she and I are staying together, whether you're back in the picture now or not."

Trent looks back up quickly, his eyes widening slightly. "Hey, take it easy. I didn't mean anything like that."

"Well why else would you make it your business?"

"Because I see the look in Angel's eyes when she looks at you." Trent cocks his head. "There was a time she looked at me like that...and I'd give just about anything to get that again. But I know you're her man now, not me."

Luke swallows hard. "What's your point?"

"My point is, she's being a whole lot more patient than a lot of women would be."

"You think I'm dragging my feet?"

"Yes."

Luke grows defensive. "This really isn't any of your business."

"I know, but I just couldn't not say anything." Trent shakes his head. "Why haven't you married her yet?"

Luke concentrates on the saddle in front of him, rubbing the oil in just a little harder. Trent of all people, had to be the one to bring it up. "I guess I keep hoping for better days."

"With what? What could be better?"

"The Agency...my health."

Trent sighs. "First off, we got two couples here who dared to prove their love and nothing bad has happened. The Agency has backed off and from what I hear, they're hitting the folks in Nevada now more than here. And second..." He looks to Luke's legs then back up at his face. "Do you think Angel loves you less just because you can't walk as well as you used to?"

Luke rolls his eyes. "It's just that we decided we wouldn't get married until we knew the Agency was over."

"You think she'd turn you down if you said you wanted to get married sooner?" Trent looks to Luke, but receives no response. "Forget about that excuse, Luke. It's your legs, isn't it?"

"Maybe." Luke looks down. "I just...I don't know. I'm already enough of a burden to her the way it is. What kind of responsibility will she be taking on if I were her husband? At least now I can rely on other people and not always her. In the middle of the night when I get into trouble, it's Sparky...or Jeff. I don't want Angel to have to worry about me twenty-four/seven. It isn't fair to her."

Trent purses his lips. "Don't you respect her enough to make up her own mind? Or do you think you're more intelligent and therefore you feel the need to make decisions for her?"

"That's not fair."

"No, you're the one not being fair," Trent retorts. "You're making up Angel's mind for her, when you know good and well that she'd marry you tomorrow in a heartbeat if you asked. She loves you, Luke...and if taking care of you is part of the package deal, then she not only doesn't mind, but she enjoys it. She doesn't like to see you hurting, but being able to help you gives her fulfillment...because she's helping the one she loves."

"But what good am I?" Luke argues. "I can't give her a home...I can't get a job to earn the money to support us. Oh, sure, I could get some kind of disability benefits, but how much would that be?"

"Quit feeling sorry for yourself." Trent shakes his head. "If you're too proud to stay here and let her have her practice here, and remain here at the ranch, then that's stupid. Look at Mick. If ever a man had pride, it's him. If ever a man wanted to provide for his own family and be the man of the house, it's him. And look...he moved into Rosetta's place. She's still running this ranch. Sure, he helps out, and he's got the horse training business here. But in reality, he moved into her world, not the other way around. And you think he cares? No...why? Because he's with her and that's what matters most. Not his status...not his money...not his position."

Luke swallows hard and leans his arms on the saddle, feeling the pains of the pointed statements. He wasn't used to this, let alone from Trent. "I just...want to give her what she deserves."

Trent offers a slight grin. "When will you get it, that she doesn't care about what she deserves? All she cares about is having you...you, Luke...she loves you. Quit putting her off."

Luke eventually looks up, his eyes narrowing. "Why do you suddenly care about this? You of all people?"

Trent grows a little more serious, the melancholy in his eyes. "I guess because I care about that woman enough that I want her to be happy, and I know she'll be most happy with you. You know good and well that if I thought I had another chance, I'd take it. But I don't...and there is no chance. She has eyes only for you, and you need to stop taking it for granted."

Problems

Wes picks up the phone in the shop as some music plays in the background. Clint close by as Wes continues to work while on the phone. Hearing Cindy's voice brings a smile to his face. He always loved hearing from his Wife.

"Its ok Hun, I like when you call."

As the conversation continues and Wes hears the baby is ready to come he drops his tools with a claddder.

"Ok, I'm coming hold tight...I'm on my waaaaa.......WAHHHHH"

Wes is rickashayed backwards the phone cord only goes so far and finally hits resistince. Laying on the ground he looks up at the roof for a moment holding the phone to his hear still.

"Ouch, I'm..I'm on my way Hun hold tight."

Wes gets up in a hurry and puts the phone on the hook yelling to Clint.

"Hold the fort down Clint I need to go. The baby is having Cindy, I mean Cindy needs the baby..NO I mean Cindy is having the baby."

Standing for a moment Wes shakes his head and than heads out the door as he his out side he lets out a loud whooping sound and drives away twords home.

Pulling in the driveway Wes dosn't even shut off the truck as he hops out of the truck and sprints inside. Opening up the screen door he goes to step inside but gets caught in the latch the door swinging back and slaming on his arm. Giving a little yelp he struggles with the door trying to get himself unstuck till finally he does and stumbles inside.

"Cindy...I'm here."

Seeing her sitting at the kitchen table he gives a smile his face beaming. Heading into the bedroom Wes grabs Cindy's overnight back that was ready and waiting and heads out the door throwing it in the car than jumping into the passangers seat. Pulling out of the driveway Wes starts to head back to the ranch when he stops and rolls his eyes at himself. Geting out again her goes back inside. Smiling at Cindy once again.

"I bet you thought I forgot about you huh?"

Coming over to where Cindy was siting Wes slings her one arm around his shoulder and than gently slids his one arm around her back and his other under her legs Wes gently lifts her up and carrys her out the door with great care. The smile never leaving his face as he beams down at Cindy. Wes whole word had come together and this was another wonder avent that was taking place.

Puting her into the truck Wes finally makes sure everything is ready and heads back to the ranch and Angel's office.*

Misty shakes her head and brings a hand to her mouth as she giggles at Kyle. Heading for the door she turns and walks backwards grinning at him.

"Ok, your turn to drive. Where are we going anyways? Now that you can talk I probley wont be able to get a word in edge wise."

Misty cant help but let her grin grow as the humor dances in her eyes proding Kyle to play back.

Cancelled

Bret chuckles and heads for the door with Charlotte close behind. "Alright then...the mountains it is."

Locking the door, he aims for his car, sliding in behind the steering wheel, now fully awake. The necklace Charlotte had given him still hangs from his rearview mirror, swaying gently as the car moves.

Backing out of his driveway and seeing no one coming from either direction, Bret steers the car's tail in he wrong direction. Gunning it, then slamming on the breaks and twisting the wheel, he spins the car back around in a circle, then burns rubber, squealing down the street going the way they want to. "Yeehaw!"

A figure watches from the shadows, lifting an eyebrow at the driving. Making a mental note, they slink away.


Kyle looks up at Misty and nods, though is a bit confused. He knew she and Rick hadn't been discussing lunch.

Rick stops Misty once more before she can leave, his voice still low. "We better find a cure fast...because if that poison gets through with his vocal cords, it will just move on to something else until eventually it will kill him." He sees in her eyes the concern and her sincere want to help Kyle, and Rick knows she cares about him. "I know we'll figure this out...just keep cool. In the meantime, don't give him too bad a time about talking. The poison is doing more harm to him than him using his voice."

Finally he turns back to Kyle, offering a little smile. "Well, other than some added strain, not a whole lot has changed. I know I said three weeks the last time, but I'm giving you he okay to talk a bit. Just don't strain too hard, and if there's pain, stop. Got it?"

Kyle nods with enthusiasm and gives Rick a thumbs up. Sliding off the table, he looks to Misty again and holds up his keys, jingling them as the mischief shines in his eyes.


Jason looks at his computer screen, tapping his fingers on his desk. He felt deceptive. He hadn't lied, exactly...he'd just...left things out....hadn't said everything... but... He hadn't known how. He hadn't known how to tell his mom those things...he didn't want to be a failure...a disappointment. He hadn't wanted her to worry.

He reads her email again, realizing though, that he might have gotten himself in more of a mess than planned...

Jason,
Yes, the days just seem to get longer and longer. Wes is around more lately though, so it's nice to have the company. Clint's taking care of things well at the shop. The only drawback for him was he didn't get the vacation for a road trip with his motorcycle like he wanted. Now he's thinking next year.

You forgot to answer me about the dresses - did Camryn decide if she was going with the blue or purple? I wanted to get a dress to match. I know, I know, don't ask - it's a woman thing. ;)

Glad your knee is doing so much better. I'm sure if you wanted, Reese would put you back in the field at this point.

By the way, Austin might be coming back to TJY. Reese doesn't like it that he's been gone this long. He'll have to send a replacement though, so I don't know what will happen. I asked Austin the other day about what he'd heard through Reese about you and he seemed a little evasive. Know what's up there?

Anyway, it's time to dust the living room. It's the little things that keep me busy.

Love you and talk to you more soon.
-Mom

"Jason, you've got a call."

"Thanks, Susanne." Jason picks up his office phone, closing out his email and reverting his mind to other things. "Yeah, this is Jason."

"Hey, Jase."

Jason raises his eyebrows at Phil's voice. "Since when do you use the TJY phone?"

Phil laughs. "Since all I get is your voicemail on your phone."

"Oops." Jason turns around and grabs his cell phone, realizing that he'd turned the ringer off. "Sorry."

"No problem. Hey listen, I just called Rocky...the guy from Cryptic."

"Yeah?"

"Well, good news and bad news."

Jason leans back in his chair with a sigh. "Shoot."

"The good news is that Cryptic isn't disbanding. They're just coming back home and staying in the area, taking things easier than they have been."

"And the bad news?"

"They're in Washington state at the moment. They were going to come back tomorrow, but a flight got canceled and they got stuck."

Jason purses his lips, disappointed. "So Rocky can't come."

"Nope." Phil pauses. "Said he would have if he could have...he'd love to still get together with us sometime. I told him about Kyle and he couldn't believe it. Said the guys would be praying."

"Mm-hmm." Jason nods absentmindedly. He was used to the praying and the talk about God all the time now. In the back of his mind, something always started asking questions when the subject came up, but he'd always dismissed it. It was getting harder though... Bringing himself back, he sighs again. "Well...that's that, then. Who's gonna call to cancel the show?"

"I will if you tell Kyle."

"Oh, thanks a lot."


Cindy walks slowly through the kitchen, one hand on her back, and she stops to stare at the large pile of dishes. Everything seemed to take twice as long to do lately, and not having done the dishes for several days made this task the biggest for the day.

Giving a little sigh, she goes to turn the water on, but stops as she experiences a sudden pain. Wincing, she leans on the counter until it has passed. Catching her breath, she shrugs it off and starts forward, but again, another sharp sensation sends up the red flags in the back of her mind.

Turning around, she changes her route and finds a kitchen chair to sit in. Resting for a moment, she thinks it has passed, but another wave hits her.

Grabbing the cordless phone, she dials Wes' cell. He'd gone to work just a half hour ago after Clint had called, needing help with something. Hearing him answer, she tries to keep her voice calm. "Sorry to interrupt your work hun, but...I need to get over to Angel...I don't think this baby of ours is going to wait much longer."

Moutains

*Charlotte smiles as she watches Bret walk away and head back up the steps. Turning she lets out a small sigh and looks down in the sink piled with dishes. Didn't I just do these the other day? Men! Laughing she fills the sink and starts to do some more up. Charlotte really didn't mind cleaning for Bret. She found it fun and it was nice to tease him about something. Not to mention it meant spending more time with him and she certainly didn't mind that. Ever since she had first met Bret Charlotte liked spanding time with him, never did she regret one moment.

Hearing Bret come down the steps Charlotte drains the water from the sink and turns just in time to catch the coin that was thrown at her.

Giving a smile she flips the coin in the air.*

"Sounds good to me. Heads we go to the mountains to hike, Tails we go on the swamp trail."

*Slapping it down on her hand Charlotte removes the other. Revealing heads."

"Alright to the mountains it is..."

*Letting out a sigh Charlotte can't help her grin that curled on her lips.*

"I have fond memories of those mountains."

*As Rick pulls Misty aside to talk to her she cant help but feel her heart sink a little bit. Kyle had to get better, he couldn't let his dream go not like this.*

"Well if we can find out what the added substince is I am sure I can come up with another antadote. I have to, we have to and I wont rest untill we do. Kyle has to get better Rick."

*Misty's eyes show her secsarity as she looks at Rick. Than turning away she smiles at Kyle.*

"Ready for lunch?"

Found

Bret lifts his eyebrows as Charlotte nears, a small grin forming. As she leans against him to kiss his lips, he cocks his head, his eyes closed as he sets his coffee mug down on the counter behind himself. Both hands free, he wraps his arms around Charlotte, gently rubbing her back as he returns the kiss with equal passion.

Finally drawing back, Bret sighs deeply and rests his forehead against hers, looking her in the eye. "You're better than coffee, you know that?"

Grinning, he pulls her into a hug, squeezing her tight. "Mm....okay...shower." Letting Charlotte go, he grabs his coffee mug to down the rest of the contents before putting it in the sink, and heads out of the kitchen, calling over his shoulder. "Give me five minutes!"

It's actually ten minutes, but Bret is quick, and soon he's grabbing his jacket and his keys. "My turn to drive." He tosses her a quarter. "Your turn to flip."


Distraction = my middle name. Checkup first. Rick. Then lunch. C U then.

It's eleven o'clock when Kyle parks his truck in the TJY parking lot. For all that had happened, he was feeling pretty good, and with a few pain killers, his hand wasn't giving him too much trouble either.

Bounding down the hallway he skids past the infirmary door, only to look back and see Misty, putting on the breaks and backing up, throwing her a silly salute.

Rick looks up from where he's working and raises an eyebrow. "Someone must feel good today."

Kyle shrugs and hops up on the table.

Rick chuckles and shakes his head. "Alright. Let's see how that throat of yours is doing. Have you been doing what I told you?"

Kyle bites his lip, looks to Misty, then back at Rick, giving an unsure nod.

Rick smirks at him. "Kyle..."

"Mostly?" he whispers.

"That's what I thought. And by the sounds of things, it hasn't gotten much better, has it?"

Kyle shakes his head.

Rick sighs and brings a light, starting to examine Kyle's throat. The more he sees, the more he wants to examine, and he winds up taking a whole lot longer than planned. But looking at a couple charts, he believes it was worth it.

Kyle feels as though his throat is on fire after all is said and done, and he doesn't understand Rick's growing enthusiasm.

Rick stares at his notes, and is quick to go to Misty. "Hey...remember when Kyle was poisoned, we thought something was a little different about it?" He nods. "There was. I believe...that they added something to that lethal mixture. Something that they knew the antidote wouldn't get. And it's not enough to kill, but enough to cause trouble." Rick shows her a few of his notes. "Kyle's still got some of that poison in his system. Something about the mixture attacked his weakest spot - his vocal cords. Only problem is, that it's not going away. It's just slowly making things worse."

He glances over to Kyle. "We have to get it completely out of his system somehow, or it's not gonna take long and he'll never be able to talk again. Hard part is finding the cure. Good thing is, once we find it, I believe he'll have a full recovery. We just have to find that cure before there's permanent damage."

Kyle swings his legs as he sits on the table, trying to overcome his worry. He couldn't understand what Rick was saying to Misty, but he had a bad feeling about it. What was going on? Was the news bad?


Carson wipes off the front counter for Mabel, his mind everywhere but his work today. He hadn’t gotten into trouble for being late, since Herb had known he’d been helping with Jess…but his tardiness had affected his work throughout the morning, just seeming to encourage everything to go wrong.

He couldn’t get his mind off of what had happened earlier. He should have known better. He shouldn’t have approached Misty. Though her forgiveness, he felt was genuine did ease some guilty feelings, what remained was still an open wound.

“Oh, Carson!”

He whips back to attention and looks over the counter to a middle-aged woman who had just come in. It was his former landlord. He raises his eyebrows. “Mrs. Flowers.”

She chuckles, obviously loving the accent. “I’m glad I caught you here…” She reaches into her purse and rummages around. “I had some new tenants move into your old apartment…that was quite a while ago, you know. But they kept most of the stuff where it was I guess…that is, the furniture you left.”

She pauses, squinting into her handbag and rolling her eyes. “I know it’s here somewhere,” she mutters. “Anyway, so they were moving the entertainment center last week – you know, where your television set was. And they found something…” Her face is still buried in her purse and finally she pulls the object out. “Ah hah!”

She holds it up so it glints in the light. “I knew it had to be yours because before you were there that place was stark clean.”

Carson looks at the object, stunned for a moment.

Mrs. Flowers’ face drops a little. “It is yours…isn’t it?”

“Y…yes…I mean…yes…it is.” Carson numbly reaches out to take the gold chain and locket from her hand.

“I took the liberty of cleaning it up,” Mrs. Flowers informs. “It had gotten a bit dusty behind that big ol’ thing.” She gives Carson a sly grin. “That picture in there…old love of yours?”

Carson barely hears her as he flips the locket open with his thumbnail. A young Misty stares back at him. Breaking his gaze away from it, he looks up again at Mrs. Flowers, and forces a grateful smile to let her know she’d done a good thing. “You could say that,” he finally replies. “Thanks. I thought I’d lost this for good.”

Clutching the small treasure, Carson retreats to the kitchen where he finds the corner chair. Though supposed to be working, his mind wanders for a few minutes. He rests his elbows on his knees and flips the locket open again.

A slight smile quirks the very corner of his mouth as he replays the memories in his mind. He’d refused the necklace more than once, but Misty had found a way to get him to not only keep it, but wear it. The only other keepsake he’d ever had, had been his own ID bracelet, and he’d given that to her. He wonders now if she had discarded that as he had this necklace on such a night he didn’t want to remember.

Carson finally shuts the locket and collects the chain in his palm to place it in his jeans pocket. Misty was gone now…wearing her close to his heart would just create a new wound. But he wouldn’t be throwing it away again.

You look

*Giving a jump as her phone beeps loudly Misty grabs it from her pocket. Looking down at the message a small smiles forms on her face as the shadows and clouds start to slowly clear. There was something about Kyle. He always had good timing. Flipping open the phone Misty jots a quick text back. Lunch. You, Me. 12, you pick the place. Need the distraction.

Standing up Misty brushes herself off and goes over to the sink and splashing water on her face to finish washing off the rest of her tears. Letting out a sigh Misty heads back to her desk to continue her day till Lunch.*

*Charlotte cocks hear head for moment as if thinking before a grin spreads across her lips.*

"I think it was your idea to get up at seven. We were going to flip but you said you wanted to do it early and get a whole day in."

*Heading into the kitchen Charlotte grabs her own glass down from the shelf and gets some coffee. Taking a sip she finally puts the cup into the sink her eyes twinkling.

Walking over to Bret she places both her hands on the counter around and behind him pinning him up against it and leaning closer to him.*

"I think you look good either way, but a shower might be a good idea. I guess I can wait a little longer or I am gonna go alone."

*Not giving Bret a chance to answer Charlotte press her lips against his in a passionate kiss that lingers for a moment.*

Gone

For a fleeting instant, Carson could almost feel the tiny flame of hope. But just as quickly, it’s vanished.

There is relief there. Misty’s forgiveness was something he’d longed for, and it did ease some pain. But still, forgiveness without the love made him feel just as empty.

He reaches out a hand, ready to say more, but she’s already turned her back and gone into the infirmary. And like the shifting wind, his last chance was gone.

Gritting his teeth, Carson aims back for the little guest room. Ignoring a greeting by Hal, he desperately fights the unwanted tears that have filled his eyes. Confused. Lost. Alone.

Blinking back the emotions, he slips into the dim room and finds his socks and tennis shoes. He had to get out of here.

Scribbling a quick note to Jess that he was at work and Rick would take care of her, he leaves it on the bedside table.

And without another stop, he heads back down the hall at a quick pace, the exit his only destination. Just passing the infirmary makes his heart scream in pain, but he keeps walking. He had to. It was all he had now.


Unaware of events unseen from across the town, a text message is typed out and sent to reach its destination. Perhaps the sender can feel the tears across the miles. Or perhaps it's Someone else's timing that creates the moment's time.
"Dreamed of singing last night. Dreamed you were the cure. Didn't need a nightlight. 'Cause I thought of you."

Forgive

*Listing to Carson Misty's own heart aches. Its being torn in two all over again. Stand to the mornal of thing or give into her heart Misty was standing again...*

"I forgive you Carson."

*Taking a step back Misty can no longer controll herself and as the tears fall more she enters back into the infermary and closes the door behind her. The memories had flooded back ten fold, the memories had been to much to bare the pain she felt again from what had happend had been tomuch and made her break down.

Leaning aganst the door Misty slids to the floor, her head spinning, but than a soft voice enters her mind and brings a small smile to her face through the pain. Kyle had been there, Kyle was there now even though he wasent in the flesh, his memorie was there trying to cheer her up. Kyle...Misty new where her heart truly layed, and though she had forgiven Carson, thats where it stoped.*

entire world

Carson just stares back at Misty for several seconds, his eyes not wandering from hers. His heart felt as though it were being ripped in two all over again. "Because I'm a fool. Because I'm the kind of guy who doesn't know what he's got until it's gone. Because I played with fire. Because I couldn't say no to a good time."

He shakes his head slowly. "Take your pick."

His own emotions pool behind his eyes but he doesn't care. "And if I could go back and change one thing in my entire life, that would be it. Because the day I made that stupid mistake, I lost my entire world."

Why

*Misty blinks and flicks some tears away from her eyes. Her heart hated seeing Carson like this, her heart hated seeing her like this.*

"Than why, why did you do this? Why did you let this happen again Carson?"

*Misty's eyes plead for the answer to the question she had been asking for so long.*

always

Carson spins around in surprise, the agony written all over his face at seeing Misty's tears. A sorry shadow of a smile toys with the very edges of his mouth. "They always have, Misty...and they always will."

....

*As Carson exits Misty's office her heart once again screams, and kicking. The love was burryed but it told her not to let it end like this. No, not to let him walk away like this. Getting up from her desk fast Misty's desk chair falls backwards as she rushes to the door. Steping out and standing in the hall Misty keeps her eyes focused on Carson back.*

"CARSON....."

*Misty takes a step forward her eyes fill with tear she could not controll now.*

"Do they?"

Defeat

Carson’s eyes flicker with a hint of surprise, mixed with the hurt he’d been afraid of. He’d been prepared for rejection, but it still hurt. He knew he deserved it…he deserved Misty’s harshness, and a whole lot more on top of that. But…it still hurt.

Swallowing hard, he finally drops his gaze – not something he’d done much around her. A part of him wanted to get upset and defend himself. What right had she to keep him from apologizing if he wanted to? Yet he was too tired for that kind of defiance. It wasn’t worth the breath. Despite the softness Carson saw in Misty’s eyes, he knew she’d made up her mind. He truly had lost her this time.

Finally he looks back up, still leaning on the doorframe, and letting out a weak, dry laugh. “I bet it’s nice seeing me on the other end of things for a change…getting what I deserve.” He shakes his head, feeling like a fool. “I guess…I guess I just wanted…to see you again…to see how you were…to see if your eyes could still make my heart stop.”

He straightens up and takes a deep breath, preparing to turn around and leave. Hooking his thumbs in his pockets, he cocks his head, looking at Misty one more time. His voice comes out slowly and quietly. “And then…when the warrior has defeated himself at his own game and the conqueror has called his bluff, he must bow to the enemy. For to accept the defeat and command a retreat is more honorable than losing his life in battle. And so he does, bringing the war to an end.”

Giving a little nod, Carson’s eyes linger on Misty’s face, filled with the utter dismay he felt for his actions that had caused this circumstance. Finally turning around, he aims back down the hall. He should go…go to work and get away from this place.


Bret mumbles something that can’t be understood, and turns around to look at the clock. Sure enough, Charlotte was right. “Aw, crap.”

Fumbling around his bedroom, he grabs a pair of jeans to put on, and staggers out into the hall, reaching the top of the stairs just as Charlotte yells up at him. “I’m coming, I’m coming!” he retorts.

Coming down the stairs as he leans against the wall, his eyes are barely open. “Who was the idiot who said he’d be ready at this time of the morning anyway?”

Reaching the kitchen he goes straight for the coffee pot that had already filled half an hour earlier. Grabbing a mug, he pours himself a cup and takes several long swallows. Leaning back against the counter he scrunches shut his eyes before opening them wide, trying to wake up. “Do I at least have time for a shower? I don’t think you really want me along without having had one this morning.”

No Sorry

Looking up at Bret's voice a grin cross Charlotte's lips as she brings a hand to her eyes to shield the sun. Her hair done up nicley in a ponytail her sunglass sat on the top of her head as well. Fashioned in a babyblue tank and a par of cacky capres. Giving a laugh at how he looked Charlotte finally composes herself the best she can as she gets a look of puzzlement.

"Ohhh..yeah I forgot I had a key. I know you said seven. It's seven thiry-five now. YOUR the one who is late."

Charlotte shakes her head as she fishes in her purse for her key and than enters the house. Closing the door behind her she stands at the steps and yells up them.

"Well hurry up already?"

Though Bret can't see her Charlotte's grin is big. After moving here Charlotte got a job at the recently redone caves as a ture guild. She liked the work it was fun and she liked telling the history and what not of the makings on the walls. In between she helped Angelica with her case work but most times her sister was good at doing it all without getting behind.

Today was her day off though the first in many and she couldent wait to spend the day with Bret liked planed. She always looked forward to the fun they always had.


*Misty looks up from her desk and with a jump and see Carson standing in the doorway. For a long moment Misty just looks at him not saying anything. Misty wasn’t sure what to say to him. A part of her wanted to throw her arms around him and give him a hug though she new better. Nothing said Carson changed, nothing said he was different. But though he might not be, Misty had and her heart had found someone who helped it heal even if she still did love Carson it was tucked away now that lived as only a memories. Misty couldent run to him, she couldent let herself get hurt again not to mention she liked someone alse. Her eyes narrow, and than go normal again before she finally reply.*

"Whatever it is Carson, I dont want to hear it. I'm tired of the I'm sorrys. You over used them and they lost there meaning. So dont even bother. If you want to say something other than I am sorry you may."

*Though Misty's eyes show she means what she said but behind the meaning her eyes also show a softness that goes unsead as she studdys Carson's face.*

*Katie takes the OJ and drinks it with a smile thankful for Jen's greatfulness. After a little bit more small talk with Jen and her family Katie bids them good day and starts to head for work.

Once arriving at TJY Katie heads right to her desk to start the day.*

seven o'clock

Though having been sleeping soundly, the soft click of the door shutting is enough to jolt Carson from his dream. His eyes open wide and he scans the dim room from his position on the floor. It takes him a second or two to remember where he is, and he rolls onto his back, his shoulder sore from sleeping on such a hard surface.

Suddenly he's totally alert and sits up straight. The door had been ajar the last he knew and it was closed now. A sweet scent hits his nostrils and he blinks. He recognized that smell. He'd always loved it and for a moment it hits him hard with a wave of memories.

Getting to his feet, Carson looks down on Jess, seeing that she's still asleep. Putting a hand on the doorknob, he hesitates. He didn't even know why he wanted this. Maybe because he still felt as though he'd left things unfinished. And now trying to sort things out and turn things around, he just...wanted... He shakes his head. He wasn't even sure.

Exiting the small room, he squints in the hall lights. He knew he must look a mess in the clothes he'd slept in, he hadn't shaved since two nights ago, and his hair was matted.

Carson shuts the door softly and pads in his bare feet down to the infirmary. Looking inside, he sees that Rick's office light is on, but he's out of sight. The only person in sight is Misty. His eyes growing dim, he just watches her, remembering so many times that he'd just walked in uninvited to give and receive a kiss...to tease and flirt...to make plans for a date.

The reality seems so dark and cold compared to the memories.

He starts to turn and leave. This was stupid. She wouldn't want to talk to him, and it would only cause his wound to hurt more.

But something stops him again. He knew his conscience's prodding...so many times before he'd ignored it. Would he again, and be left with even more questions?

Swallowing the hated fear, he turns back around and before he can back out again, he knocks his knuckles softly on the door. "Morning..."


Jen, her mom and stepfather all smile their good morning to Katie, welcoming her as they would anyone else in their home. Even though Phil had explained to him the dangers that were happening, they had given their worries to God, and had decided to proceed with caution, but not fear. Katie was welcomed both as a friend and as a protector.

Jen grins and offers Katie some orange juice. "Thanks for everything, Katie. We really appreciate it. And I know Kyle probably slept better last night, knowing you were here." She nods. "I'll definitely call you if anything strange at all happens, or we run into trouble.


Brent's eyes fly open as he hears the pounding on his door. Straining to hear, he realizes that the pounding was followed by Charlotte's voice.

Literally rolling out of bed with a thud, he scrambles on all fours to the window, throwing it open and looking down to the first story to see Charlotte on the porch. His hair was askew, his tee wrinkled and crooked. "Woman!"

He squints in the sunlight, the brightness giving him an instant headache. His words are mumbled as he still tries to wake up. "Leave and you spend the day alone. But for pete's sake, don't break down the door. That's why I gave you a key."

Bret leans on the open window sill, crossing his arms to form a place to rest his head, still mumbling. He didn't even realize what late time it was. "Besides, I said seven o'clock..."

1....2...3

As Misty turns her car off she lets out a long sigh stretching. The morning had come all too soon and Misty just wanted to go back to bed.

Grabbing her phone from the seat next to her along with her wallet she flips it open and thumbs through the text messages. Finding the last one Kyle sent her Misty reads it again and smiles. It was nice to have someone who did cute little things like that.

Walking into TJY things are fairly dark still being so early in the morning only a few cubicle lights were on. Continuing her root to the infirmary Misty notices the door to the extra bedroom was open. That was odd it was always kept closed. Walking closer some of the lights from one of the cubicles shines enough that the room is slightly illuminated. Opening the door a little bit more Misty peeks in. Seeing the form in the bed she can make out the cuts and burses on her face as she is curled up into a tight ball. Though her face was battered Misty new she saw the woman before but couldn’t put her finger on it. Than a figure on the floor catches Misty’s eye as her eyes meet Carson’s sleeping form. What? Why was he here? What had happened yesterday, than now caused Carson to be at TJY. Looking up at the woman in the bed again Misty realizes where she had seen her. That had been one of the women from Mom and Pop’s that one day.

Letting out a sigh Misty goes to the leave the room but stops glancing back down at Carson as he was fast asleep. Leaning her head against the door frame she just watches him for a long moment. Memories flow through Misty’s mind as she stands there. Some bringing a bit of pain but most bring a smile. How her time with Carson had been an enjoyable one that ended all too soon. Letting out another soft sigh Misty turns and closes the door softly before her mind is aloud to wonder any farther down the path that ended in pain.

Finishing her rout to the infirmary Misty turns the lights on and starts preparing stuff for the day before finally sitting down to concentrate on some paper work.


Katie opens her eyes slowly as she hears the sound of voices. For a moment her mind plays tricks on her and as she smiles hearing her mom and dad talking. But as she becomes aware of her surrounding and wakes more the realization sinks in it was only a dream and she was at Jen’s house.

Sitting up form the small couch in the living room Katie does a quick once over checking to make sure everything was in order before heading into the kitchen where the voices were coming from. Entering Katie gives a smile and a soft wave.

“Good Morning!”

Taking a seat next to Jen Katie holds her smile though she is not ready for a new day. The night had passed to quickly and did not offer nearly enough sleep.

“It looks like everything is in order this morning. Nothing seems to be out of place or strange. I will probly be leaving for work shortly. If you need anything you know the number to call Jen, than I will be back later tonight.”

Katie offers another smile as reassurance and gives Jen’s arm a gentil pat.


A loud bang comes to Bret’s front door as Charlotte’s voice rings from the porch.

“HEY, Hey you better not be wallowing up there. We had a date remember? Yes…A date this early in the morning, remember? We were going to go to the mountains.”

Charlotte can’t help but shake her head and laugh to herself as she stands at the door. Pulling a coin from her pocket she gives a grin.

“If I flip this coin and your not out here Bret, heads is I leave, tails I break your door down. Here I go…1….2….3….”

Dawn greeting lives

Heading back inside with Mike, Jason pauses, looking toward the quiet road. A faint smile surfaces. It was strange... It wasn't an audible sound in his mind...it wasn't even words. It was a new language that somehow was simply understood. One that could never be explained or described...only felt.

Feeling a little less alone, Jason climbs the porch steps and enters the house again to stay for a while longer.


Scott chuckles and nods. "The last time I left Domino out, she didn't talk to me for two days." Grinning, they slow for a stop sign and turn, heading towards town.


Kyle gives a little smirk at Misty, but nods to assure her that if he needed anything, he would call her. He remains quiet most of the ride back. He knew he shouldn't be talking at all, and it was too dark to sign or write anything down.

Once they reach the apartment, he pauses before getting out of the car, studying Misty for just a moment. He was grateful for her support today at Mike's...and though they both knew that their relationship had caused this chain of events, he wasn't going to be sorry about it.

Working at it for a moment without his voice, he gets across, "Have a good day tomorrow at work. I'll be in sometime to see Rick so I'll see you then."

Reaching down, he gives her hand a squeeze, then slips out of the car, shutting the door and tapping the roof with his palm as if telling her "go." Walking backward, he watches her leave and gives a wave before turning to go inside. Once in bed, it takes him no more than thirty seconds to be sound asleep.

Before sleep though, one task is done, and a text message is sent to Misty's phone. "I need...oh, no, false alarm. Nevermind. The night light is working fine and I just found my teddy bear. I can sleep now. Goodnight."


Carson can feel how much Jess is trying to be strong, and though respecting her for it, knows that it's healthier just to let it all out.

He stays close, just letting her talk. Not saying much, but listening. Just listening as the time slips away. Her stories bring a sense of melancholy - both a sympathy for her, and memories from Carson's own past that he had never shared with anyone.

By the time the stories are through, both are further back on the bed, leaned against the wall, so awake but so tired at the same time.

Jess' comment about feeling safe makes Carson feel good...as though maybe he's finally done something right again. He'd messed up so many things lately that to actually be of help to someone was almost like a new sensation.

"You deserve to feel safe more often," he comments quietly.

Letting out a long slow sigh, Carson gives her shoulders a little squeeze and pats her arm before straightening and finally moving to stand up. Stretching, he yawns, trying to figure out where to go from here. It was late. He didn't want to walk back to Mom and Pop's at this hour. Maybe he'd just stay right here and slip out early before others got in to work.

"You should get some sleep," he prompts Jess gently. Pulling the covers down on the bed for her, he directs her under the sheets. Moving just a short ways away, Carson lowers himself to the floor, grabbing an extra blanket for a pillow. "If you need anything in the night, Jess, I'm right here."


As the stars make their way across the sky and the moon shines its light on the night, dreams filter on the air, and sleep takes over weary souls. Exhaustion rules some dreamless sleep, while stress and heartache give battles to others whose eyes remain open.

And when the morning comes, a new day is presented with feelings of change in the wind. There were things people could not predict. Chain reactions that had been put into play long before, now to affect the lives of those so closely intertwined.


Outside of town, the sun rises on the little country house, waking one who looks forward to the day, now that love has found him once again.

An apartment lies quiet as one has already left to work for the day, the other sound asleep in bed with no intentions of rising until he wakes.

A house is roused gently with the rustle of a large friend nuzzling his master awake. The recipient of the cold, wet nose rolls over to block out the sunlight, but knows the inevitable truth, that the day had come.

Across town, another house is alive with lights, plans for the day already starting as the figure gets ready for work, helped by the little black and white pup.

One whose life has changed so much, rises to greet the dawn. Without work to greet him back, his goals have changed to the hunt of things to keep busy.

Another with the same goal to find work lies sleeping, waiting for the sun to rise just a little further before rolling out of bed. Heads, he'd sleep late. Tails, he'd get up in half an hour.

Gentle voices are heard in the spacious house across the way as parents speak to their daughter. It's a house of peace, despite the threats, and the presence of a friend to keep watch has helped sleep come easier in the night.

One house is awakened by one rising, while another returns from the night. The riser prepares for the day, while the one coming slips into bed. Lives so different...one settled and confident, following his father's footsteps. The other unsure and unsteady, frustrated with things unable to be conquered.

A cat's meow bids his mistress farewell as the house is opened and shut for the day, an early day starting. Paperwork was waiting.

TJY's quietness slowly is overtaken by voices and the whirring of computers started for the day. While in a little room, one has forgotten to rise before the faces have shown up

Lives were connected in a tangled web only the Maker could see. But in His eyes, it was a web of hearts and lives that would someday see their purpose and their connections as His plans were revealed.

Listen

*Katie smiles as she leans on Scott as they walk to his car. Ice cream did sound good. Soon all to soon it would be to cold, and the ice cream would be missed. Katie dident mind getting as much as she could now before than.*

"Ice cream sounds perfect and you better bring some home for the kid to or she will never let you live it down."

*Katie can't help but laugh as she gets into Scott's car and pull out heading down the road. As Katie looks out the window she receves Jason's message. It felt strange to communicate through there emotions and it seemed easyer than it use to be. Was this another stage of there powers evolving? Closing her eyes for a moment she consintrates putting together emotions to send a message back. Good Night J. Sleep well and if you need anything at all you know how to get a hold of me. -smile-. Opening her eyes again Katie smiles and turns to Scott to continues some small talk as they headed to the ice cream shop.*

*Misty can't help but shake her head a little bit and laugh though seeing the tired look in Kyle's eyes she new he needed to get home to bed though she would like the night to last forever she new it could not. *

"I want you to get lots of sleep tonight and if you need anything promise to call me ok? Or if anything feels wrong call me. It does not matter the time. Take it easy for goodness sake while I am at work as well would you."

*Misty can't help the cheesy grin as she continues to head down the road aiming for Kyle's apartment.*

*As Carson puts his arm around Jess she gives a little jump but not because she was scaired but more so because she wasent exspecting it. It was strange to her now to see Carson like this. It was so much differnt from the man she met only weeks ago. Carson had never answered her question about if this was the real him, but some where inside Jess where a little bit of emotion romed layed the feeling that this was the person Carson was when he wasent lost.

Relaxing Jess leans her head onto Carson's chest. The tear welled behind her eyes but she refused to let them come out. Crying was something she dident do, no matter how much she wanted too. Though unexspectly Jess found comfort in Carson's arms. Her body gives a little shake as Jess trys to recover from the trama of everything still. Its own defence meckanisum. The more her mind windered as the shelter was offered to her though and finally a single tear rolls down her cheek. Nothing more, nothing less it was enough to show that Jess was almost filled to the top with emotions that were ready to break free sooner or later. The only thing unknown would be where or when.

As Jess feels the shelter of Carson and she grows tired, Jess starts to babble about things she never talked about with anymore. Maybe she was not even awair of what she is saying herself. She talks about her life, and how things where always hard. She talked about how though she new Peter wasent the greatest he was all she though she ever deserved. Going from her childhood growing up in an orphanage back to her older years of how she messed her life up, to skipping back to her years now. Her midn proving that what had happend recently had dug up and split open many wounds.*

"Having someone sit and listen to me is strange. Having someones arms around me and feeling safe is strange. I've never had that before right now. It kind of feels good."

Better than the cell

As the discussion around the table goes on, ideas are tossed about, shot down, picked up, twisted around and laid flat. Each time they come back to the same idea they’d started out with – if Cryptic would help them this weekend, they’d proceed with the show and up the security all the way around. If Cryptic couldn’t help, they would postpone shows until Kyle could play well enough again, and at that time, the security would also be tight.

By the time the decisions have been made, it's already getting late into the evening. Phil had already called in to work to be able to stay and sort things out, and minds were growing weary. Kyle was getting exhausted, the last couple days catching up to him fast.

The evening is a chilly one, but the air feels nice after being in the stuffy house. Everyone has filed out onto the back deck, prepping to leave for the night.

Scott slings his arm around Katie, leaning in close to her ear. "Stop for ice cream on the way back to town? Then you can go to Jen's."

Phil waves his goodnight to everyone and heads for his truck to take Jen home and go home himself, while Kyle said he'd ride back with Misty. Once Phil got back to town, he'd also inform their parents about what was happening, so when Katie arrived, they would know what was going on.

Heading for Misty's car, Kyle finally slows down a bit, not having let his weariness show too much before this point. His head was spinning, hurting, his stomach was upset, and his hand wouldn't stop throbbing. But he pastes a smile on his face anyway, not wanting the ride back to be a dismal one.

Sliding into the passenger seat, he points a finger towards home, aiming it with a squint and a click of his tongue.


Jason ambles off the porch, the last to leave. Leaning on one crutch, he watches the other taillights disappear out of sight. It was nights like these that he felt alone. Goodnight, Katie.

"Wanna jam for a while?"

Jason turns back around to Mike, a small smile forming. "Sure...why not."


Carson cocks his head and looks at Jess, knowing that she was just searching for some way to stop the pain. He knew how she felt to a certain degree and it wasn't fun.

Giving in, he slowly approaches and eases down on the bed next to her, leaning back against the wall. "At least you're not in the holding cell," he muses. "It's not as cozy as this." He stops himself, realizing that he'd just opened the floodgates to too many of his own memories. Like a photo album being flipped through at fast pace, he remembers when he first came here, and the time spent with Misty. For a while, she'd been the only one who cared...and she never had been afraid of him, even when he'd tried to scare her away.

Carson shakes his head a little, clearing his mind. Seeing Jess hunched over with her arms around herself, he can't help the sympathy that insists on sticking around. He'd screwed up in so many ways...so many times he hadn't helped those who were hurting, or had caused that hurt himself.

Slowly he sits back up and slides a little closer, careful not to startle or scare Jess away. He didn't want his actions to be threatening or suggestive in any way, but rather he wanted to be a shelter. In a way, he missed being able to hold someone close and know that they felt safe in his arms. Reaching over gently, he puts an arm around Jess' shoulder, giving her a little squeeze. "It's going to be okay," he whispers. "You're going to be okay..." He knows his actions and words are an invitation for her to cry on his shoulder if she needs to, and he doesn't mind. "I'm here for as long as you need me."

Cards

*Misty leans into Kyle's arm as he slings it around her. Even though the look on his face told her this wasent her fault she couldent help the feeling that lingered anyways. Misty just stays silent and listens to the rest of the conversation as her own mind trys to process everything.*

*Kaite listens and takes everything in playing in her own mind the stuff they could do for more sacurity.*

"Well first off, If Jen dosent mind, I wont mind staying with her over nights at her place for a little bit. That way I can keep my eye on things at that time."

*Katie stops again as she scans the others collecting her thoughts.*

"Well, we can scan who comes into the park, its not normal but its probley nessary. I think Con, Myself, Nate and Wyatt might be the best canadtes as for the added sacurity. We should be ok, as long as we do our jobs and stay alirt this time and not as layed back. I'm up for the challange. I promised I would protect you guy and by golly I will."

*Jess steps in the small room and looks around. The room was bear, with while walls it wasent much but it certinly was nicer looking than Jess place. Sitting down on the bed Jess wraps her arms around herself and just stairs off into the distince for a moment before looking up at Carson. Her voice stays flat showing little emotions. She dident have the emergy, and she still let sore and like crap.*

"The company is always nice. Better than stairing at blank walls. But I dont....dont want to take up anymore of your time. I'll probley fall asleep on you anyways. Or I could sujest we play some cards but we know where that got us last time."

*As Jess sits leaning up again the wall how she wished she had a beer right now. To take away the pain, to take away the memories. To erase the smell, and sound of Peter's voice that echoed in her ears. Jess just wanted to forget, she just wanted to make him mind blank though still if she forgot now, there was a long hard road ahead one that would bring up the memories many times no matter how many times she drank them away.*

Substitute

Jason receives Katie's response, at first unable to decipher it, but then understanding, and suddenly realizing how smoothly they'd just communicated. Any other time or place, he would have stopped to comment, but now wasn't the time.

Kyle glances down to Misty and sees the look in her eye that he knew would be there. She felt guilty...she was apologizing. And it made him feel all the more bad.

His eyes narrowing a little, he throws her a warning glance that demanded she not take on responsibility for this. Turning back to Katie, he nods and shrugs a little, indicating that more security might be an option. His expression still implied he didn't want to miss this weekend, though he was giving in a little, his temper having cooled down.

Mike grimaces a little. "I don't know guys...how much are we willing to risk?"

Jason taps his finger on the table absentmindedly. "Kyle, if you got this right...the next time they hit, it's going to be hard. What will they try for next?"

Kyle thinks, then shakes his head. How could he even guess?

Jason, however, knows, and prompts him to figure it out himself. "What's important to you, Kyle? What could they take that would be most devastating?"

Suddenly Kyle's eyes widen and he immediately looks to his sister.

Jen swallows hard. She knew. If the Agency wanted to completely crush Kyle, they would come after her.

Mike reaches under the table to take her hand, giving it a reassuring squeeze. "So we up the security on Jen."

Kyle's face has paled slightly, an he finally sits back down, leaning his forehead on his hand, trying to sort all this out. How much was he really willing to risk? If it were just himself, he didn't care. But Jen? She was the most obvious target. Was he willing to risk that? Yet at the same time, if they didn't stand up and fight, it would just continue.

Jason shrugs. "Well...we can do that...keep a closer eye on things...make sure she's not alone. It's either that, Kyle, or you can quit flirting with the Agency's enemy."

Kyle lifts his head to throw Jason a glare. His relationship with Misty might not be at the deepest level, but it was certainly beyond flippant flirting. To prove his point, he leans back in his chair and puts an arm around Misty in utter defiance of the suggestion.

Jason backs off, realizing the bounds he had just overstepped. "Alright, so scratch that." He gives Katie a sidelong glance and sighs, admitting through his emotions, only to her, his embarrassment for his own remark. "So what are we going to do, guys? Katie? You're the only security we've got right now. Who else would you suggest? And how can we keep Jen safe?"

Phil interrupts them. "We got more than one thing going on here though guys...The Agency is by far the most intense, but we have to think about Kyle's condition right now too." He looks at his brother with concern, knowing how touchy Kyle was about it, but it had to be said. "I'm just not sure you should be up there trying to play right now. And we still haven't decided what to do about backup vocals."

Kyle drops his gaze, the frustration returning. He was supposed to see Rick tomorrow for a checkup...after today's little shouting match, who knew what Rick would say. As for his hand, it would be several months before he could really play the keyboard fully again.

"You could help Jen with sound," Mike suggests.

Phil shakes his head. "We sound better with a keyboard in the mix though. Do we want to downsize to a three-piece until he can play?"

"How about having someone come substitute?"

Kyle can feel heat rising to his face and he refuses to look up. He knew they all meant well, but no matter what, each suggestion just dug the knife in a little further.

"Hey, I know..." Mike nods with enthusiasm. "Cryptic is coming home - I heard something about that the other day. They've been traveling all over the place, but are now going to take a break or there's a rumor that they're even going to disband, I don't know. But anyway, Rocky's always offered to help us out if we needed anything, and you know Taylor could get him to do anything."

Kyle quirks an eyebrow. He glances at Misty. That was the band that had backed him up and recorded his singing.

Mike continues. "We could at least give him a call and see if he'd be willing to sub on short notice for this weekend. He still owes us for the time we bailed him out at that one concert." A slight grin appears at the memory. "Then we can decide more after that..."

Kyle wasn't so sure...he didn't like being replaced...it just felt like salt to the wound. But at least they wouldn't cancel...at least he trusted Rocky...and though running sound wasn't the most fun in the world, at least he could help with that and relieve Jen some too.

Phil looks around at everyone. "Well...we can give him a call. Kyle, you got his number?"

Kyle nods.

Phil shrugs. "What do you all say? Katie...if we get a sub and do this weekend, think you could recruit some more help from TJY? Maybe Nate? Wyatt?"

Jason grins a little. "Con's out of work right now. I bet he'd be glad to play bodyguard for a night too."

Jen sits up a little straighter. "I'm game." She looks to Katie as her friend for support. "And I think Kyle and Katie are right...the Agency needs to know that we're not that easy to knock down."


Carson gives a little sigh and shakes his head at Jess. "What's done in the past is done...I didn't exactly make the right choices either, so...don't apologize."

Hearing the short discussion, Rick's mind wanders a little, wondering what the relationship was between these two, and wondering at Carson's meek demeanor. Rick had heard rumors about all that had happened...he knew Carson didn't have a car or any place to live right now...had he finally broken?

"Alright, Jess... Let's get this overwith so you can get comfortable again." Rick gives her an encouraging nod that everything was going to be okay. "Jamie's right here and Carson will wait right outside."

Carson takes the hint and gives Jess a wink before backing off and leaving the three alone.

It's a while later that Rick is showing Jess the little guest room, letting her know where everything was, and telling her that she could help herself to anything in the break room. Wyatt would go get her vehicle from Mom and Pop's and park it at TJY for the night, and the case would be handed over to Angelica immediately so that legal action could be taken against Peter.

Carson is still there, and left alone with Jess in the room, he looks around, remembering is own time spent here before he'd gotten his own place. "You don't have to worry about a thing as long as you're here, Jess...there will be more than one person here all night."

He glances at the clock. He didn't know what to do... He didn't want to leave her alone if she was going to panic, but he didn't want to stay and have her feel smothered either. "You be alright here now? Or do you need the company?"