Escort

Bret grins and peeks into a mirror by the hall. He hadn't seen the small streak of grease on the side of his face, nor the rest of the grime. "Okay," he relents. "I'll wash my face. But you'll have to blame Noah. We sorta had a brawl... Well... I guess maybe it was Landon's fault. But that was after..."

His voice trails off and he gives Charlotte a sheepish look. "What can I say... boys will be boys."

Shaking his head, he aims for the bathroom. "Ten minutes. But my stomach won't last any longer than that."

Once in the bathroom though, he pokes his head out again to holler back to the kitchen. "You, on the other hand, look perfect. Don't change a thing."



Austin just stands awkwardly for a moment. He shouldn't be surprised that Angel had dropped by, but for some reason it had caught him off guard. Besides that, he couldn't help but be just a little bit suspicious. No on from the ranch had talked to him lately... did they know everything that had been happening, and if they did, what were they saying about him?

At Angel's last comment, he tried to bring himself back to attention. "No. No, for pete's sake. I was dosing, but it's not too late. Not like I got an exciting night life or something."

He closes the door and gestures for Angel to come into the living room and sit down as he turns on an extra light. Switching off the television, he eases down in another chair, just studying her for a moment. "Surprised Luke let you come to Nevada without him," he muses with a slight teasing tone. It doesn't go over as well as intended though, and he drops his gaze, suddenly feeling awkward.

Looking back up at Angel, he purses his lips in thought. "There's more to this than just a social call isn't there..." He sighs deeply. "You a scout for the others, or come of your own accord?"


Rocky searches Jess' eyes for a moment, making sure that she was telling the truth when she said she was okay. Pursing his lips, he gives her a little reassuring nod, his body visibly relaxing after knowing the chaos was over. Few would notice that he starts to reach out to give Jess' arm a pat, but then withdraws instead.

"Talk about an evening... You're never gonna want to hang out with this bunch again," he teases.

Axel's knowledge that Jess is alright puts him a bit more at ease, and he gives her a crooked grin. "Good. Thought for a minute there you might wind up with some broken bones."

Rocky smirks at him. "I was just reacting. You wouldn't have done differently if you'd been the one standing there."

"I might have at least shoved her away from the glass." Though keeping a straight face, Axel's eyes prove that he's only kidding around.

Rocky rolls his eyes and sighs, turning to Jess. "My apologies if I was too rough. I'm just glad you're alright."

"And yes," Axel interrupts to finally answer Jess' question. "Everyone else is too. Jen's pretty shook up, but she'll be alright. Phil's going to take her home and make sure she gets settled okay."

"Hey, guys..." Carson joins the threesome as the police cars start away from the scene, leaving them in peace. For now, he had pasted on a pleasant expression, not letting Axel's earlier words get to him just yet. He slings an arm around Jess to give her a little squeeze, knowing he's the only one in the room who could get away with that at the moment. "Bet you wish you woulda stayed home."

"Well, she would have missed an awfully good concert," Rocky muses.

Carson chuckles and lets Jess go. "Yeah well... now I get to spend a long night here."

"You want help?" Axel offers. "Be glad to."

Carson shakes his head. "Naw, that's alright. Not much you can do. I just have to sweep up all this glass and put some plastic up or something. Herb's not gonna be happy, but at least this time it wasn't my fault."

The four are interrupted for just a moment as Phil calls to them, letting them know that he and Jen are leaving. Once they're gone, Rocky gives a deep sigh. "Well... Axel, you ready for a ride home?"

Axel shakes his head. "Thought I'd walk tonight."

Rocky shakes his head in wry annoyance. "You and your walking. Alright, fine." He turns to Jess. "I can follow you home if you like," he offers. "Just to make sure no other bizarre storms roll through."

"She is the bizarre storm," Axel quips.

"What?"

Axel almost chuckles and tosses Jess a wink. "Nothing."

Rocky lets it drop and simply looks to Jess with question, not knowing if she was the type to want an escort or not.

Carson moves to pick up his broom again, starting to calculate just how he was going to patch this up for the night and make it livable for the next day.

Ok...

"I can't wait to go with you. From all the talk it seems like a great time just watching as much as it is driving."

Watching Bret head for the door Charlotte's smile stays on her face as her eyes twinkle in the light from the kitchen. Taking a step forward to payfuly swat Bret away She laughs before turning back around to place her flowers in a vase calling over her shoulder.

"We can go to the nice Greek dinner right down the road if ya want. Its will be a nice dinner but no you dont have to change."

Turning again Charlotte eyes Bret and his dirt covered cloths. Shaking her head she just smiled. Who cared what Bret looked like. In clean closes or dirty he was still the man she loved and having him there with here was all she wanted.

Charlotte's smile turns into a playful grin as she jokes.

"At least wash the dirt off you face though ok? I want to not have to squint to see those handsome eyes of yours."

Smiling back at Austin as he opens the door Angel steps into side. Glancing at her watch she relizes just what time it was. My how the time had slipped by without here even relizing it.

"Hey you. Sorry I showed up so late. I didnt even relize what time it was."

Stepping farther into the house she sets her small bag she was carrys down on Austins table. Before turning back to him. Was something wrong? Now that was a question to ask...yes something was wrong, many things were wrong but now was not the time to bring most of them up.

"Oh no nothings wrong I just hadnt seen ya in a while and I guess I wanted to. I wasnt able to catch you at work."

She wasnt lieing at the moment, other than being tired she felt fine and didnt think anything was wrong. So it was a little white lie and she new it, but Angel hadnt come here to talk about her problems. She had come to see her friend she hadnt seen in a while and make sure everything was ok with him after she had been told from Misty about everything that had been going on.

"If its to late I can come back another time its not a problem."

Driving down the street Misty had really no destination in mind. She was tired but she didnt want to sleep let alone even know if she could. The darkness called to her lonly heart. She wasnt even sure if she really was lonly or not. She felt happy in the morning but when the darkness came so did the feeling.

Coming to a look out not many people know about and only one other person had been there with her before Misty gets out of her car to make the short climb. Sitting on the egde of the peace of wood Misty stairs into the harizone where she new the sun would come. Sometimes sitting , thinking and waiting for the pretty in the world was a good way to spend the hours.

Not moving, or opening her eyes a soft smile forms on Katie's sleeping lips and Jason's arm wraps around her. Though she was asleep subcontuly she could still feel him and it braught her instint comfort.

Bring her hand to the one that was wrapped around her Katie places her hand ontop of Jasons. Tonight she would sleep in peace and the whole night through.

..Feeling Rockys hand on her her shoulder and seeing the men Jess freezes. In a situation like this Jess though of others more than her ownself. The fear that ran threw here were for these people she had just met and for Jen. How hard it was to sit by and watch as a gun was help to her head. Knowing you were helpless to stop anything, but also knowing better than to move.

Just watching Jess stays still not sure everything thats going on but only catching bits and peaces of Axel and Carson's conversation. The glances here and there from Axel and knowing Rocky was beside her gave her the confadince not to pass out yet her fear ran high.

As everything starts to go down and Jess is pushed to the floor by Rocky Jess lets out a little shreak. Feeling herself shake underneath Rocky Jess holds her eyes closed tight waiting for the whole thing is over.

Finally as Rocky lifts himself off of her and helps her stands Jess looks around at the mess. Her heart still raced face as everything was still clear in her mind. Looking to Rocky Jess gives the best smile she can as her eyes lock with Rockys for a moment.

"Yeah I think I am ok, just pretty shook up."

Wrapping her own arms around herself she turns her head face as Axel comes over. Giving another smile.

"Yeah I think I am. Is everyone alse ok?"

Hesitation

Bret keeps his arms around Charlotte, a smile spreading at her forgiveness. "It was good," he replies. "No... it was great." His eyes shine again, proving his passion for the sport. "But it will be even better next time... because I'm going to insist you go with me."

Giving her a tight squeeze, he finally lets her go and aims for the door. "Your pick on where we go..." He stops, turning back around to throw her a teasing look. "Just as long as I don't have to change my clothes."


Austin is roused from his drowsy state as he sits on the couch. The tv was still going, but he was unsure of the time. What had woken him anyway?

Suddenly it dawns on him that it had been the door. Someone was here.

Rising quickly, he stubs his toe on the coffee table and stumbles forward, wincing and holding back the curse that wanted to come. Trudging in his stocking feet, jeans and wrinkled tee, he makes it to the door, unlocking the deadbolt, then the knob.

Opening it just as crack, he squints in the dim light. But instantly his eyes widen. “Angel?”

His shock is evident, and he quickly pushes open the screen and steps aside, inviting her inside. “What are you doing here?” he asks, confused. “Someone said you’d been working with Misty, but…” He lets his sentence trail off, realizing that to say he hadn’t had time to see her sounded like he cared a whole lot less than he really did.

“I mean…” He searches her tired eyes, his own slowly revealing the mixed emotions that no one had been allowed to see lately. “Is anything wrong?”


Kyle watches Misty as she speaks, his eyes on a journey, searching for feelings... searching for meaning. Though standing motionless, it felt as though he were reaching out, only inches away from what he most wanted, but he could not stretch far enough to overcome the distance.

He knew Misty was trying to soften the blow. He knew she was trying to encourage him despite what this evening had become. He knew it in his mind, but his heart had yet to accept it. It was such a foreign feeling to him. He'd never gotten close to any woman other than Misty, and now it was misery that spoke to him, telling him why that was. He hated the pain. He hated feeling the fool.

Better to have loved and lost? Tonight it felt like a poor lyric, lost in an ocean of pain that could really care less about feeling better right now.

But rather than lash out with sarcasm like he wanted, he refrained. Misty was doing her best, and he had to respect that.

Watching her walk away, he just stands, helpless to stop this chain of events. Still not moving, he watches Misty get into her car, his eyes following the taillights until they disappear down the street. There was noise all around. Cars, people, dogs barking... but it was all drowned out, leaving Kyle in an empty world of silence.

He finally takes a deep breath and turns around to go back to his truck. Though he wanted to scream, he didn't. Though he wanted to hit something, he didn't. So much more had happened tonight than the simple concert it had been intended to be. So much more was going on in his heart and mind than anyone knew about. It was just so... hard.


Rick is gentle with his words to Katie. He hated seeing his friends like this. "I'm not positive why it was different, Katie. I've just been trying to help you guys based on my own theories. But I think what happened tonight was that Jason's emotions got to the boiling point, but they couldn't erupt like usual. Because they feed off his flashbacks... but he'd succeeded in burying those memories too deeply and wasn't letting them surface. So... it was just like he was a time bomb there, gaining more and more pressure. You helped release enough energy to pull him partway out of it, but it wiped you out, and then I..."

He sighs and shakes his head, still feeling rotten, even if it had been necessary. "...I provoked Jason's flashbacks. Once it occurred, the aftermath was the same."

Jason's eyes are down, even though he receives Katie's attempt to reassure him.

It's not going to be okay. Not as long as this keeps happening. What would have happened if Rick hadn't been around? We both could have died tonight, Katie... There's got to be a way to stop this.

When Katie relents to staying all night, Scott glances to Rick, questioning the arrangements. He didn't feel put out in the least - he simply didn't know where he fit tonight.

Rick thinks for a moment, letting a pause linger as the tension continues to settle down. "Jase, why don't you..."

"I'll take the spare room," Scott interrupts. "That way, you can... stay here and watch or... or whatever."

Rick lifts an eyebrow, noting that it was one of the first times he'd seen Scott take initiative in a long time. "You sure you're okay with that?"

Scott nods, even though a knot had formed in his stomach. "Just as long as I can keep the door open... if that's okay."

"Sure it is. I'll keep my eye open too and so will Hal. If you need anything, you just holler, okay?"

Scott stands up and glances to Katie. "I hope you feel better in the morning," he offers quietly. His eyes roam to Jason where he gives a little nod, then heads slowly out the infirmary door to the next room down where there was a bed.

Rick turns to Jason. "There's some blankets there in the closet. Help yourself. There's a folded cot in there too - it would be softer than the examining table if you want. I'm going to go make sure Scott gets settled and check in with Hal. Then I'll be around for the night."

Jason is quiet and when Rick leaves, he slides off the table to get some clean blankets. Moving to Katie first though, he sits down on the edge of the bed, now alone with her. Looking at her tired eyes, he takes her hand for a moment.

I really am sorry. Even when I know better, I keep messing this thing up. Even when I think I know how to handle it, I somehow manage to fail and put us both through this all over again. I know you don't like me apologizing, but... let me, okay?

Leaning down, he gives her lips a tender kiss. "Get some sleep," he advises quietly. "Tomorrow we'll both be feeling better."

Without even thinking twice, he helps Katie get her shoes off, then pulls the blanket up over her, tucking her in. He knows how tired she is, and knows that it will only be a matter of minutes before she's asleep. And it is...

Jason rolls over on the cot at the other end of the room, finding it uncomfortable. Fighting with the blanket, he tries out the floor next, but even though it doesn't hold the same bumps and lumps as the cot, it's cold. Despite his exhaustion, sleep just wasn't coming.

Frustrated, he tries the table again, but even with a warm blanket and soft pillow it doesn't provide enough comfort so his body can relax.

Rising once again, Jason sighs, blanket in hand. He could go to his office... his chair wasn't all that uncomfortable. And Rick would be in here to keep an eye on things, so his absence wouldn't matter.

Arriving at the doorway though, Jason stops. Turning around, he glances back to Katie's sleeping form. He didn't want to leave her. Not tonight.

A sigh is followed by him turning back inside. Making up his mind, he eases down quietly behind Katie, pulling his own blanket over himself. Curling up on his side, he reaches around Katie's waist from behind, gently with a strong arm to tuck her closer next to him, sharing the edge of her pillow. Feeling her heartbeat next to him, his eyes fall closed, and almost instantly, he's asleep.

Rick wanders back into the infirmary and for a moment, he thinks Jason is gone. Then spotting him with Katie, a small smile forms. Those two had something special... and Rick wouldn't interfere this time. He'd leave them be tonight.


Gram returns to the kitchen, opening her mouth to say something, but stops, pausing in the doorway. Looking down at her grandson, her face softens.

She'd left him five minutes ago at the table with a plate of freshly-baked cookies and a glass of milk. Usually, that was plenty of time for him to down at least two of the cookies, and never mind how fast the milk would be gone. But tonight, both had gone untouched.

She walks up slowly behind him, knowing he knew she was there, even though he was bent forward with his head resting on his arms. Laying a hand on him, she gently rubs his back just like she used to do when he had been a child.

"What's wrong, Kyle?"

Kyle keeps is face hidden in his arms that rested on the table, but shakes his head slowly. "I don't know."

Gram runs her fingers up to his hair, but stops, a slight grin curling her mouth. "Did you use gel or super glue?"

Kyle can't help a light laugh, and finally straightens up. "Gel."

"Mm." Gram moves around to pull out another chair and sit across from him. Her words are quiet and unassuming. "Why aren't you out with your friends tonight?"

Kyle shrugs and reaches for a neglected cookie, nibbling at it slowly. At the moment, he could allow himself to dwell on the concert and not the rampant thoughts about him and Misty. "I guess I did something I shouldn't have."

"Like what?"

He shrugs again. "It's a long story, Gram. Don't really want to get into it now."

She nods, respecting his privacy. Taking a cookie for herself, she lets the silence go, wise enough to know that some portion of the story would come out.

Kyle traces a mark on the table with his thumbnail, remembering the time a platter had been dropped on it, making a notch in the table. He and Phil had both gotten into trouble for that one.

Sighing, he finally takes a sip of his milk. "You ever do something that you always wanted to do, and felt so good about it... so proud of yourself... just to find out afterward that others were unhappy with it?"

Gram furrows her brow, chewing thoughtfully. "I don't think so..."

Kyle shoulders drop a little. Not that he'd expected her to say yes, but maybe he'd hoped for some understanding.

"...But your father did."

Kyle looks up quickly. The family could talk about his father, but usually didn't, especially when he was around. Usually the others avoided it for his sake, and he knew it. It was unusual for Gram to bring it up. "When?"

Gram chuckles. "He was a rebel, your father. Loved music. And I remember one time, he was in high school. He had joined a garage band." She smiles at the memory. "He didn't tell us about it though, because he knew we'd be against any kind of rock music at all. Oh, but he loved it... he loved it so much. And finally, one day, he decided that he'd show us just how far he'd come, and how good he was singing, and on his guitar."

A grin plays with the corner of Kyle's mouth. "But you didn't like it."

"We hit the roof." Gram starts to laugh, her eyes twinkling. "Oh my goodness. We walked out on the first song. The lyrics were fine and clean - they even sang good songs about God. But it was too loud, too rambunctious, and too close to rampant noise to us."

Kyle's grin comes out as Gram continues, imagining how it must have been.

"Your father came home afterward. Gramps and I were both ready to chew him out and tell him he'd never be allowed back in that band again. But I'll never forget the look on his face." Gram's expression sobers. "He had been crushed, because he knew we hated what he loved so much."

"So what happened?"

"We sat down and talked to him about it. Gramps and I decided that as long as the lyrics were good, and they were because your father had written most of them, that he could stay in the band."

Kyle gives a little laugh. He had never heard that story, and it was interesting to find out about it now. "I knew he liked to write music, but I didn't know he'd been in a band. What happened to them?"

"Well, I guess the guys all went their separate ways after high school, so it ended by itself." Gram lets out a long sigh. "But he'd had the experience of a lifetime, and had lived his dream to be in a band, even if it was on a small scale. He always was a go-getter, even after that. He was the one to go against the flow and be different, even when not everybody would follow him." She cocks her head, a gentle smile still present. "Out of all three of you siblings, you're the one that has carried on the Mitts spark, Kyle. Gramps has it, your father had it and you have it."

She pauses once more and reaches out to turn Kyle's head so she can see his eyes. "Ever since you were a baby, I knew you were the one that had that fire in you. But somehow... recently, something has started to snuff it out." The concern and love in her voice comes through. "Whatever happened tonight, Kyle... don't let it destroy your dreams."

Kyle swallows hard, finding it difficult to control his emotions. "But what if that dream isn't meant to be?"

"God doesn't give us dreams to taunt us, Kyle. There's always a reason." Gram gives him an encouraging smile. "But we can't always control the timing. Sometimes dreams take years and years to realize. Other times they come right away. And sometimes... they're realized even if we can't see it."

"What do you mean?"

"I knew a young man once who wanted to be a doctor so very badly. But... he didn't have the money to go to school. It was his dream to work in a big hospital and help people. But... it never happened."

Kyle furrows his brow, not sure where she was going with this. But he listens.

"Years later, he was sitting in church, just being a shoulder to someone who needed it, like he often did. And when he suddenly saw that he was helping so many people there, he realized that God truly had given him his dream. He had wanted to help people. He might not have been a doctor to do it. But he was indeed helping so many people. His dream did come true. It just came in a different package than he expected."

Kyle looks down for a moment, then back up, his half-grin having returned. "Gramps."

Gram nods. "Yes. Your father had a little dream that was realized early on, then stayed in his heart as a cherished memory until the day he died . Your grandfather had a dream that was realized in ways he couldn't imagine at the time." She pauses before extending her hand to place it over Kyle's heart. "And you have dreams too. I don't know what they are, but you do. And you're tempted to give up for whatever reason. But don't give up. God's got a plan for you. Maybe you made mistakes, and maybe things just aren't falling into place. But there's a path there...somewhere, there's a path. Don't let that fire in you die out."


Carson eyes Jess with suspicion. "You think I'd believe you were just an innocent bystander?"

After hearing Jess razz Joel, then receiving her wink, Rocky intervenes. "Well you can at least believe the part about the pizza," he teases.

"Yes, now that I do believe." Carson grins at Jess, while nodding to Axel. "Just don't let this scallywag fool you. If there's anyone who doesn't need protection, it's him."

"Hey." Axel gives him a withering look. "You're not helping me any here."

"I didn't think you needed any."

Axel stops for a moment. "Come to think of it, I don't. Aren't you supposed to be cooking or something?"

Carson grins. "Alright guys... what'll ya'll have?"

"Pizza!" Joel shouts.

"Hush up, Joel," Max chides. "Remember, you're not suppose to speak anymore tonight."

It's not long before Carson is serving them their pizza's, baked to perfection. Laughter and chatter surround the table with teasing, talk of the concert and more. Axel is the quietest of the group, but it's no surprise. Sitting at the far corner, he's the farthest away from any of the others. To some they might not think a thing of it - to the rest of Cryptic, they knew well that he'd created the space around himself that was most comfortable.

A war of straw wrappers breaks out at one point, but overall he table remains well-behaved into the late evening. Eventually, some eyes begin to grow heavy, and a round of yawns ensues. Max is the first to get up and stretch, admitting how tired he was. A slap to the back of Joel’s head, gets him to stand as well, and after quick farewells, the two take off for the night.

The talk is light and a bit sparse after they leave, most knowing they should call it a night, but no one really wanting to. Carson has joined them to sit and talk, the food long since gone.

During a lull in conversation, Rocky looks to Phil who had been fooling with his cell phone. “Problems?”

Phil shakes his head. “Nah…” He sighs and pockets the phone again. “Just trying to get a hold of Kyle.”

“No luck?”

“No… either he let his battery run down again, or he’s just ignoring me. Probably it’s the latter.”

Rocky purses his lips in thought. “Well… knowing Kyle, he’ll be alright. He probably just needs some time alone. Tomorrow I’ll…”

He’s unable to finish his sentence as suddenly, the front door flies open. Three men in ski masks barge in, sawed-off shotguns in hand. “Nobody move!” the ringleader barks.

Everyone at the table jumps, and Jen giving a slight shriek of surprise. The men are on their feet in an instant, but back off as the guns are pointed at them. Axel’s eyes are quick to take in the scene, every bit and piece burned into his memory. Rocky’s jaw tightens, the fear turning to adrenaline in his veins. He instinctively reaches down beside him to set a hand on Jess’ shoulder, warning her not to move.

One of the masked men throws a duffel bag on the floor, and nervously looks out the window. Sirens could be heard in the distance. The ringleader moves closer to the little group, threatening with his gun. “You folks just settle down here. As long as the cops cooperate, you’ll be out of here in no time.”

Carson’s hands are held to the sides like the others, his eyes glazed with anger. His mind works quickly. The bank down the street. Something must have gone wrong with a robbery, and now they were seeking shelter here until they came up with another plan. “Let us go,” he advises. “You don’t need us.”

“Shut up!” The man comes a step closer, seeming to enjoy the fact that the two women in the group were terrified. “Talk and you die. Got it?” Several nods seem to satisfy him, and he backs off just a little bit.

Phil eases back a couple steps closer to Jen, in an effort to keep her calm, even though fear and worry coursed through his eyes. Axel and Carson were left in the forefront, a barrier to the thieves. Only once does Axel dare to turn his head just enough that his peripheral vision could make sure Jess was okay behind him. Rocky gives him a little nod.

A cop car suddenly appears outside, and one of the men carelessly shoots. The front window of the restaurant shatters, a million pieces of glass flying in all directions. Jen cries out in surprise, sliding further to her brother in fright. Axel stands his ground in front of Jess, and Rocky beside her, forming a shelter, as Phil tries to keep Jen calm, and Carson remains cool despite the development. The policemen outside quickly exit their car and move to the back for protection, shouting orders.

The three men inside pace and grow more nervous. “Man, it wasn’t supposed to happen this way,” the short one complains.

“Shut it,” another growls.

“What are we gonna do? Heath never showed up, so we’re stuck here without a car, and…”

“Both of you idiots shut up!” The ringleader whirls around, threatening his partner. “We’ll get out of here, alright.” He moves to the small group again, aiming for Jen.

Phil blocks his path angrily. “Don’t you dare,” he threatens.

“Or what?” The thug laughs, pointing his gun at them. “Move,” he orders. “Or somebody dies.”

“Phil,” Carson directs quietly. “Do as he says.” He knew the desperation of these men. He knew that if the group didn’t cooperate, those thieves would have no problem in killing them. Though his own fear pumped through his veins, he kept it in check, letting logic rule his actions. “It’ll be okay.”

Jen quivers, but is helpless. Unable to stop anything, the others watch in sickening fear as the guy takes Jen’s wheelchair toward the entrance of the restaurant, stopping, then pointing his shotgun at her. “You cops out there!” he shouts. “Make a move, and the girl dies! Got it?!”

The next few minutes are tense and filled with a fear that none of the group had ever wanted to face. Though everything was happening quickly, it felt like an eternity. Phil’s eyes never move from his sister. Quiet tears run down Jen’s face as she waits, a silent prayer constantly on her lips. Rocky stands firm, but has no idea what to do, only able to offer a reassuring squeeze to Jess’ shoulder. Carson is still in the front, his eyes keeping track of every little move. And Axel’s gaze remains steady, first checking on Jess again to give a slight nod, then landing on Carson to study his movements.

More police arrive. Indeed, it has been a robbery gone bad. The thugs wanted a bargain – their freedom for the lives of those inside the restaurant. A negotiator arrived within another ten minutes, the ticking clock only serving to heighten the tension.

By now, Jen was kept with a shotgun pressed to her head, while the others were forced to remain where they were, not allowed to move. It was a nightmare that had taken over reality.

“…we’ll get you the helicopter,” the negotiator calls from the sidewalk. “But let one of the hostages go first.”

“No!” The ringleader tightens his grip on his gun. “Your tactics aren’t gonna work on me. I want what I asked for now! We’re not leaving until we get it, and we’re not letting anyone go!”

Carson’s eyes roam the room. He was feet away from one thug, the other was several more feet away with his focus on the back door, and then there was the one who had Jen. There was a cop outside with a gun drawn, aiming inside in case anything went down. A broom was in the corner. And it had been too long. If the thieves hadn’t given up now, they weren’t going to. The only thing that would happen is that someone would die, and the first to go would be Jen, if something didn’t happen, and soon.

Axel’s voice comes low enough that the thugs don’t hear. “You got it, don’t you?” He’d been studying Carson and could see the wheels had been turning.

Carson’s fingers flex by his sides. He did. He had it all mapped out, and knew exactly what it would take. It’s what he was good at. It’s what he was trained for. But he couldn’t do it.

Axel’s eyes stay glued to him. “Why are you hesitating?” he hisses.

“I can’t do it,” Carson whispers back, his voice wavering as he looks at Jen’s trembling form. “I left that behind.”

Axel grits his teeth, waiting until one of the thieves turned around before speaking quietly again. “You’re the only one who can end this, Carson, and you know it.”

Carson’s voice is desperate and strained. “But it’s not who I am anymore.”

“Are you going to let Jen die?” Axel wasn’t about ready to take excuses. Not now. He saw as much as Carson did, and could tell anyone exactly where any object was in the room. But he didn’t have the skills. He forces Carson to glance over to him to see his eyes. “For such a time as this.” His quote from Esther hits home. They’d just studied those verses last week.

Carson swallows hard. He could see the ringleader’s finger twitching on the trigger. Could he live with himself if Jen died, and he could have saved her? He knew the answer to that, and it was no.

His body tenses, his eyes narrowing. The policemen’s orders from outside is just the distraction he needs. Before any of the thugs could see him, he’s unbuckled his belt and ripped it through his jean’s belt loops. The middleman turns around at the sound.

“Hey, wha…”

Too late, the leather’s buckle-end is brought across his face, bringing his sentence to a wail of pain. His shotgun is dropped to the floor, and he falls to his knees.

Though seeing the guy in the back whirl around with his gun, Carson aims for the ringleader instead. A shot is fired.

Axel ducks, and Phil steps back. Rocky doesn’t hesitate, and in an instant, he’s knocked Jess to the floor to avoid the spray of buckshot, covering her protectively.

Carson dives and rolls a summersault, grabbing the broom in the corner. Another shot is fired – this time from a cop outside, just as Carson had predicted, and the second thief is taken down.

The ringleader is startled, his shotgun drawing away from Jen just far enough for Carson to take the risk. The broom handle goes up, and so does the gun, flying through the air. The thug hurls a curse at Carson and lunges at him.

Carson is hit hard, brought to the floor with a punch to his jaw. But his strength and expertise win out, and in an instant, he’s got the thief pinned to the floor, twisting the guy’s arm behind his back, and pressing a knee into his back.

By the time a police officer is relieving Carson, Axel has pulled one of the guys up off the floor who had a bloody face from the belt buckle, and the third is being dragged away with a bullet wound to the shoulder. Phil is immediately next to his sister, pulling her into a hug that’s returned with tears and trembling arms.

And… just as quickly as the reign of terror had descended on the restaurant, it ends, leaving a mess of broken glass, relief that lives had been spared, and a sickening reminder of what could have been.

Phil is taken to the side, a target for questioning by the police, while a female officer sees to Jen to make sure she’s alright.

Rocky withdraws from Jess to crouch next to her, helping her sit up, and brushing some broken glass out of her hair. His eyes are filled with worry and apology in case he’d scared her even more. Carefully, he helps her to her feet. “Are you okay?”

Carson looks around the room, making sure everything really was over, and ensuring that Jess was being taken care of as well. Axel follows his gaze, and is also reassured that she was not hurt or alone.

Looking back to Carson though, his eyes take on a different stare. “Good job.”

Carson smirks. “Bringing guys down isn’t something I should be that proud of.”

Axel sets his hands on his hips, able to see that this was so much bigger an issue than just this one event. “If it wasn’t for you, Jen would probably be dead right now.” He pauses in thought. “You have skills, Carson. Ever think maybe God gave them to you for a reason?”

Carson frowns. “But… who I was…”

“Being able to knock a guys block off wasn’t who you were,” Axel states flatly. “You had bad intentions. You beat guys up for all the wrong reasons.”

“Exactly. I don’t want to go back to that.”

“But you just proved that you can beat guys up for the right reasons.”

Carson bites his lip. “But…action… feels good.”

“So?” Axel shrugs. “It’s in your blood. Actions aren’t the problem, don’t you see that?” He shakes his head. “You have passions, taught or inbred, it doesn’t matter. The more you try to change your core, the worse time you’re going to have. Stop trying to leave behind you, Carson. Leave behind the bad intentions and the bad habits. But don’t leave behind the man who was strong… the man who will jump into the fire just because he likes to prove he won’t get burned.”

Carson cocks his head, a smile quirking just the corner of his mouth. “That’s about the most you’ve ever said in one setting.”

Axel gives a soft chuckle. “Maybe. But do you see what I’m trying to say?”

“I don’t know.”

“There was a reason you were here tonight,” Axel emphasizes. “You can use your skills and your passions for good. Give up the bad. Don’t give up you.”

“But I was the bad.”

“No you weren’t.” Axel shakes his head, almost frustrated. “Your intentions were.”

Carson groans and rubs his forehead tiredly. “I’m just glad everyone is okay and safe, and it’s over. Why are we talking about me anyway?”

Axel is quiet for a moment. “Because you hesitated.”

Carson lifts his eyebrows, but doesn’t have time to respond as he’s approached by a police officer to take down some extra information.

Axel leaves him be, and wanders back to the table where Rocky and Jess were. He looks at her with a bit of concern, his eyes searching her own. Though he could see Rocky had been helping her, the redundant question still rose. “You alright?”

Finished with the officer, Carson looks around to Phil, Jen, then Axel, Jess and Rocky. The restaurant was a total mess. He’d be here for hours cleaning up for the morning. Everything had happened so quickly. But now there was one thing that bothered him more than anything else. He really had hesitated. He’d hesitated to save someone’s life. Had he really gone that far? Had he really walked that far away from who he used to be? That didn’t feel right either. Was Axel right? Were there parts of himself that he could still hold onto that weren’t bad in themselves?

Free Pizza

Misty heart sinks just a little as Kyle's own words are returned to her. It hurt and no matter what it would always hurt time and time again no matter how many times ones heart would have to go through it.

"We all learn from our mistakes huh? I guess thats the most important thing of all. The saying goes "Its better to have love and lost than to never love at all." Sometimes I wonder if it would be better to just never love. But than I remember that even if I lost some people, I would of missed out on getting to know them and shairing something special."

A small smile plays on Misty's lips as she remembers the good times she has had with a few differnt people including Kyle. Giving a shake of her head Misty isnt sure what alse she should say. Where would things go from here she did not know, how things would end was on the wind and all she could do was blow with it.

Giving a sigh Misty turns and just stands a moment before walking away.

"Your gonna make some girl very happy Kyle Mitts and she is gonna be so lucky. I'll envy her but I'll also he happy for the both of you."

Whiping on last tear from her eye Misty continues to make her way to her car. Sitting for just a moment before driving away.

Standing at the counter Charlotte is lost in thought about differnt things. Starting out the day fighting with Bret had only been the motion that mad the ball roll. The rest of the day hadnt been the greatest eather.

Feeling Bret's arms around her just startles her for a moment but than she relaxes as she is snapped out of her deep thought. Charlotte takes the flowers from Bret a smile spreading across her face. He always new just what to do to make her feel good again.

Looking down at the coin that layed on the counter her grin grows even more as she places the flowers on the counter and turns around to face Bret. Bringing her arms around his neck Charlotte just looks back into his eyes for a moment.

"Of course I forgive you how could I not?"

Bringing her lips to Bret Charotte let her kiss show that she did as well. Bret was the love of her life and she could ask for nothing more. There was no way she could be mad with him forever. Pulling away again she smiles.

"How was everything at the track?"

Just laying on her back in the bed Katie just looks up at the sealing for a long moment listing as Jason makes it into the bathroom. Everything felt so differnt this time and Katie felt so tired. She new that something had happend with Jason and she had put herself on the line for him but what was it? In a horse whisper Katie's voice can be hurd. It hurt to talk but she had to.

"Rick what happened? It was differnt this time."

Though she asked her question to Rick Katie could feel Jason was done in the bathroom she felt ok to talk to him.

It's ok J, really it is. I new the risk when I did it and I would do it again if it ment helping you. Please dont blame youself.

Jason didnt need to say it and Katie already new he would be blaming himself and though she tryed to reasure him it was not it never worked.

Just laying on the bed a while longer Katie is quiet untill Jason comes out of the bathroom. Turning her head she trys to give him her best smile.
Its gonna be ok J.

Hearing Rick's question for a moment Katie is quiet. Sleeping in her own bed sounded gramd right about now but she new if she tryed moving it would only her let alone knowing if her legs could hold her up. If they didnt that would only make Jason feel worse and Katie didnt want that.

"I think for tonight I am going to stay here, if thats ok."

As Carson mess with Jess hair she turns around and gives him a swat to the arm giving a smile and than turns back to Axel.

"Protecting you?"

Looking back to Carson again Jess lips turn into a slight grin.

"I hurd there was going to be free pizza so I followed. Anything after that I am no part of I swair."

Turning back to Joel and the others Jess can't help but laugh herself again. Though the air had been thick before it seemed to be a little bit better now as everyone laughed and smiled. The feeling was nice and Jess liked it.

"You know Joel you say that its over, but something says its FAR from over. The others might life you down but I am not that full of mercy."

Jess cant help the sly grin they cross her face as she looks to Rocky and gives a wink.

Stepping out of the Taxi Angel just stands for a moment looks up at Austins house. She felt tired and sleep was really what she wanted to do, but see Austin was also something she wanted to do. She had gone the whole day with Misty and had seen hide nor hair of him. She even asked Susanne if he was in and she had told her no.

Giving a sigh Angel pays the cab driver and makes her way up to the door. She didnt know if Austin was home but it was worth a try. Giving a knock to the door Angel waits.

there

As Misty’s words hit Kyle’s ears, all he can do is stare back at her. The fire in his eyes slowly simmered until he lets go of her arms.

Backing up a step, he turns his back on her, setting his hands on his hips. He raises his face to look up at the night sky, a few stars visible above the city lights.

A scoffing laugh finally surfaces. “Dang it, Misty. Was I that stupid?”

He shakes his head and turns back around, defeat written on his face. “The first time I dared to love anybody, and I jumped the gun on walking away. And now what do I have? Someone who still cares for me too, but we can’t do a thing about it because her heart belongs in two different places. How can I make you choose?”

His head shakes again. “I’m sorry I’ve been a fool. Go where your heart leads you. I’ll find my way.”


Bret slips quietly into the house, shutting the front door softly behind him. It was late... later than he'd planned on getting home. Things at the track had turned into a reunion, and getting away from his old friends had been hard. He hadn't called Charlotte though, afraid she was still mad at him for that morning's little episode.

Seeing a light on in the kitchen, he heads in that direction, not bothering to stop and take his jacket off. One hand held that which he'd stopped to get on the way home, the other held a quarter.

Stopping for a moment, he just watches Charlotte move at the counter, feeling even sorrier for losing his temper earlier. Finally he moves forward again, coming up behind her. Reaching around her from behind, he presents the flowers, his other arm wrapping around her waist. Resting his his head against hers, he whispers in her ear.

"I love you... and I'm sorry about earlier."

Leaning forward to kiss her cheek, he moves just a little to the side, flipping the quarter and catching it on the counter. Revealing it under his palm, he cranes his neck around to see his wife's eyes. "Tails. That means I get to take you out to supper... if you forgive me."

Remain

Starttled at Kyle turn her around Misty gives just a small jump hearing the door slam she thought for sure Kyle had driven away.

Hearing his words Misty looks up into his eyes. Unsure of what she saw behind them but a certin fire seemed to burn.

Misty new what her heart told her and she new who she was dating. This was thin ground she was walking but at the moment she wasnt sure what anything ment.

Looking back at Kyle once again Misty eyes seemed to hold tears behind them. Everything seemed to hurt but the words just slipped from her toung.

"Yes Kyle...those feelings still remain."

Need to

Jason lies on the infirmary table, his eyes closed as his body starts to react to the episode. He could feel himself getting sick and knew it was only a matter of time before his body would retaliate.

Rick tries to give him some orange juice, but he refuses. "Not now," he mumbles. "Not yet..."

Rick sighs and sets the cup down, just waiting. He paces, worried. He could do nothing for Katie and it was frustrating and scary. It was one thing to try and help someone and fail - it was another to stand by helplessly unable to do anything.

As Katie shoots up with a scream, Scott jumps, taken totally off guard. He reaches out quickly to lay a hand on her arm, hoping that she was alright.

Receiving her quiet words, he's hit with relief. Some might think she was talking nonsense, but Scott knew that she was making perfect sense, and he could only thank God that she'd woken up and was okay. He swallows hard. "You're welcome," he replies softly before sitting back in his chair again, letting Rick through to check on her.

Rick lets out the breath he'd been holding, and returns Katie's smile. "Well, the hero decided to return to us after all," he muses. He starts checking her vitals, pleased that color was starting to return to her face.

Jason cracks his eyes open just wide enough to see a blurry form of Katie, but he can feel that she is awake, the pulse between them gaining back strength.

I'm so sorry, Katie....

He struggles to maintain strength as his feelings become those of guilt and frustration.

I thought I was losing you... it was my fault. I...

His emotional communication is suddenly halted as the unwanted but familiar lurch comes to his stomach. Giving a groan, he rolls over to slide off the table and stagger to the bathroom.

Rick was in the middle of helping Katie and he glances over his shoulder to see what was going on. "Jase, you okay?" he calls. No answer. Rick turns to Scott. "Would you check on him?"

Without hesitating, Scott responds, getting to his feet and heading to where Jason was. Kneeling next to him, Scott just waits until Jason is done throwing up and needs support back into the other room. Though having just been sick, Jason knows he can handle the orange juice now. Unfortunately, this all felt too routine. With a bit of help from Scott, he gets back to table, and takes the cup shakily, trying to get some sugar back in himself.

Scott lets him be and goes back to his chair, quiet and watchful. Mike stands ready to help if need be, but it looked as though everything was under control once more.

It wasn't long before the room had settled down again. Rick moves about the infirmary, and after a few minutes, he encourages Mike to get back to the others. He would look after everyone here. Mike agrees, and after a quick farewell, he leaves TJY.

Jason sits on the edge of the table, slowly regaining strength, but feeling utterly exhausted. Everything was a blurry nightmare. He rubs his eyes tiredly, trying to focus. He didn't know what to say to Katie. He didn't know what to say to Rick. This whole thing was his fault.

Rick approaches him again, his hands tucked in his lab jacket. "I'm sorry for doing that to you, Jason," he apologizes.

"What are you talking about?"

"Your flashback."

"Oh, that." Jason's eyes drift downward. "You had to do what you had to do."

"I'm still sorry about it." Rick sighs. "You realize now you can't bury those memories. They have to be available for when these things happen."

Jason swallows hard. His emotions said otherwise... he didn't like this... he felt vulnerable, weak and foolish. "Yeah... I know."

Rick purses his lips, then glances to Katie. "Do you feel up to going home tonight - I can call Laura to come get you. Or you can stay the night if you want. It's up to you."


Things back at the community building went quickly. A phone call from Mike helped relieve worries about Katie and Jason, and soon everybody's equipment was packed up and ready to go.

Axel made sure Jess didn't get lost in the chaos, and told her she could follow him and Rocky to the restaurant. It doesn't take long for the little convoy to reach their destination and soon they're all filing into Mom and Pop's. Mike catches up to them just in time - the only ones missing now were Jason and Katie, Kyle, and Taylor.

The bell above the door rings and Carson pokes his head out from the kitchen. He and Herb were the only ones left tonight, but seeing the group come in, he didn't mind staying open a while longer. A smile spreads on his face and he comes out just as everyone is sitting down.

Coming up behind Jess' chair, he ruffles her hair teasingly. "How did you wind up with his noisy bunch?" he asks.

Axel is sitting next to her, and looks up at Carson with dry humor. "She's protecting me."

"Oh really? From what?"

"Joel."

Rocky chimes in. "Yeah, keep your eye on him tonight, Carson. He might need to borrow a ladder at any given moment."

Joel's face is already red from his position at the end of the table. "Alright, alright! So I said something I shouldn't have! It's over!"

All his shouting does is serve to send a round of laughter around the table. Carson has no idea what was said earlier, but he just shakes his head, satisfied without even knowing.


As Misty comes around to the driver's side door, Kyle is taken by surprise. He'd thought she'd left. Receiving her hug, he's hesitant to return affection, unsure of just what her intentions are. Her words of him doing a good job make his emotions churn even more, but he remains quiet, even when she pulls away. He didn't know what to say. He felt like an idiot, even if she'd said he'd been great. If this is what great felt like, he didn't want it.

Looking down, he plays with his keys. There were things he'd like to say that he simply knew he shouldn't. And that was bad enough without all of this chaos going on. If only he'd handled things differently...

Though his mind wanders, he snaps back to attention as Misty speaks again. And slowly... slowly his eyes raise back up and he turns his head to meet her gaze. Her words hit him hard, a shock to his system. He blinks, unable to look away now, the confusion, pain and utter dismay surging through his eyes. He had been a fool.

But what could he possibly say now that would make any difference. If only he could go back. If only he could go back, knowing what he knew now. Why was she telling him? Why did she feel she had to? Why now? Did she just want to pour salt into his wounds? Did she just want to rub in the fact that he'd been so foolish? No... he knew that was not her intent. But the angry tears surface anyway.

Kyle swallows hard, ignoring his truck's warning light that the door was still open. Misty's final words of encouragement were tucked away for a time later when perhaps they might mean something to him. But right now... tonight... they fell on a numb heart.

He could say nothing. His mind could not think of a response to her words and her tears. But as she starts to walk away, an utter desperation rose up within him. Nothing else was going right. Everything was falling down all around him. Just once... just once, he needed to grasp for something... anything. And caution was his only barrier.

Sliding down out of his truck, he slams the door with a bang, his eyes blazing with a new fire that had sparked from the sheer embers of the pain he felt.

It only takes a few strides to come up behind Misty. Taking her by the shoulder, he spins her around so he can look in her eyes once more, both hands on her arms. His jaw is tight, his eyes glaring but without an anger. "Saying you don't deserve a guy like me is a poor excuse for not getting what you really want," he states flatly. "I want to know right now if those feelings for me still exist. If not, I walk away. But I need to know."

That day...

Jess looks to Axel and gives a nod. She did have a fun time dispirit everything that had happened at the end of the concert. It was a nice time and everyone seemed friendly but Jess couldn't help but wonder a little about the fight that happened.

"I did have a good time. Thank you for inviting me."

Though she could feel herself being a little skittish still Jess felt a tiny bit better and was not as nervous as she was.

As Katie continues to wrap her fingers around Jason she can feel herself growing weaker, but at the same time she cant feel Jason becoming slightly strong. Though it wasnt much it was enough for him to gain control for the time being till he could get some help and thats what mattered most of all.

It's ok J....

Katie manages to get a few emotions through the pain to Jason. It hurt, it was worse than anything she had ever felt but Katie did it because she new she had to, and she wanted to.

..It's ok, I'll be ok.

As Jason's emotions slow Katie can feel for now he will be ok her bosy slowly becomes limp. She was tired, oh so tired and her mind had been push beyond its limit as the information had been pushed, pulled and fed into her own. It was to much to take and now she slipped into an inconpassatated sleep though she could still feel Jason, and it braught her comfort in this dark state that she herself would be ok.

As Katie's mind is plunged into the darkness mothing can be felt. Returning to the infermary was not even notices as her sleeping start caused her to be unresponsive though her mind was still working, and immages of the past played to her like a movie.

Katie saw her mom's smiling face. How she would laugh, and how Katie could talk with her about everything. The moments when her mom, dad and her had gone to the park out out to dinner. She had been so small than. And she had felt so loved...so how back than she had been so content...

Standing inbetween Axel and Rocky Jess just listens to the story as it was being explained. She thought she remembered Carson mention something bref about it. It was all very intresting something Jess had never incountered before.

Finally as the conversation becomes a little light Jess cant help but laugh at Joel as she can feel her face start to change colors. Giving a bit of a sly grin Jess looks to Axel, than Rocky and than to Joel.

"I'd love some pizza but I think Joel's mouth is full. As for the keeping everyone in line i think we need more than just two people for that."

...As Katie's memories continues the nice happy ones start to fad away and the more hurtfull ones come out. Maybe it was the effect Jason was having on her as he was dealing with his problems or not but slowly Katie's body starts to shake. She wasnt to cry but can not. The feelins return to her of her mom and how it felt when she lost her and her brother. How horrable that day had been. As if the glass to a room shatter Katie lets out a high pitched scream shooting up on the bed and panting her eyes still closed but tears roll down her face. Than slowly Katie falls back down on the pillow as she slowly opens her eyes. She was tired, exsausted completely out of energy and it hurt. Slowly moving her head to the side she see Scott and a smile spreads across her face.

"So the white rabbit decied sit for a bit and wait for Alice did he? Thank you."

Slowly sitting up Katie winces in pain as she brings her hand to her head and falls back on the pillow. Everything seemed so foggy and her head was full of presure. Slowly turning her head to the other side she see Rick and Jason her mouth slowly forming a small smile.

Just stairing back to Kyle for a moment Misty can see the pain the is plastered on his face. How Misty wish she new what to say to make him feel better. Though she understood why the other might feel upset she didnt want to bring him down anymore on that.

Closing the passanger side door one might think that Misty was simply doing what Kyle said and walking away. But a few moments later the driver side door opens and Misty stands next to Kyle again. Remembering the song in her head Misty cant help a few tears that rolled from her eyes. Reaching into the truck Misty takes Kyle in a tight hug.

"No matter what you did great out there."

Pulling away just a little Misty searchs Kyle's face for a moment stoping at her eyes meet his. Behind her eye there was a strange glint that might be easy to miss by most. Leaning in again Mitsy gives Kyle a quick kiss on the forhead.

"I never got to do that one last time."

Letting go of Kyle she smiles as she lets out a long tired sigh. Life was so full of challanges and twists. Sometimes it was hard to know what path to follow. Stepping back just a little Misty gathers her thoughts before speaking again.

"I feel for you Kyle, I feel for you fast and my heart had found what it thought I had lost, but than I became to relize that girls like me done deserve guys like you. You could do so much better and could offer you so much more. So as much as it hurt me, I new I had to let you free. Thats what I wanted to talk to you about that day, not that I wanted to break up with you, but to ask if you really thought we would work. I wanted to see where we really were but I never got the chanse. Don't ever let anyone bring you down Kyle or keep you from your dreams. Your gonna shine, Your gonna shine and I am going to be proud to tell people that once you were mine."

Giving a small smile Misty hesatates but than turns around whiping the tear from her eye. Kyle had let her know how he felt in his song and now she had let him know. It was something that had to be done weather right or wrong. Slowly Misty starts to make her way back to her car.

Damage

As the tension in the room continues to rise, it seemed everyone was growing more and more nervous. Not everyone understood the situation, or what was really happening. But Joel couldn't stand it any longer. He doesn't like what's going on, and wants to help, but for an unexplainable reason, all he can manages is to grab some equipment and head outdoors, following in the path of Axel and Jess.

Rocky and Max remain. Though nervous as well, they look to their friends for direction. Something was very strange. The previous argument was forgotten. This seemed much more important now.

Jen looks up at Katie with worry, reaching out a hand to her, but her friend slips past, towards Jason. It wasn't a surprise, but Jen's concern is evident. She'd seen Jason go down before, and she knew the effects it had on Katie, but something did seem very wrong.

She turns quickly to Mike. "Rick. He's...?"

"The physician from TJY." Mike grabs his cell phone from his pocket. "It's too late for him to be there probably, but I'll find him."

Jen nods her thanks, and watches her friends a ways away in the hall by the exit. She wanted to go to them, but already her nervousness had increased, and it took all she had not to want to leave the room altogether. She knew it was from Katie, but still, her own emotions weren't making things any easier. She also knew if she got any closer it would just get worse. She could do nothing right now. Her presence and words would mean nothing to them.


Joel makes it outside with a box, the fresh air an immediate relief. It was almost a shock to suddenly feel the nervousness gone. Strange.

His arms full, he glances to the side where Axel and Jess were still near the building, not having gone to any of the pickups yet, though Axel still had the extension cord in his hand. Joel knew his friend had merely slipped out to avoid the scene as he himself had.

"Not so great in there," he comments. "Something weird happening with Jason and Katie, and now Mike is calling somebody."

Axel runs the cord through his hands, his brow furrowing in concern. "Well what's wrong?"

"I don't know. What I do know is that I've never felt anything like it before, and I wouldn't care to again." Joel continues his route to pack up the equipment, finding it easier to keep his hands busy than try to figure out what was happening.

Axel sighs and looks to Jess, glad they were out of the war zone. "Sorry about all this," he apologizes, even though he doesn't understand. "Hope you enjoyed the concert anyway. I'm glad you got to come."

Seeing Taylor at the pickup, Joel realizes she hadn’t been inside for a while. “Man, I wish I woulda missed what just happened too,” he comments. “Good choice staying out here.”

Not getting a response, he lifts an eyebrow. Coming closer, he sees Taylor’s head is hanging, and even closer, he sees that quite possibly, she’d been crying. “Whoa, you alright?”

“Yeah, yeah, I’m fine.” Taylor sniffs and forces a smile. “It’s nothing.”

“Well it don’t look like nothing.” Joel sets the guitar case down and lays a hand on her shoulder. “Kyle was the center of attention in there for a while, what about you?”

“It’s nothing,” Taylor repeats as she takes a deep breath. But looking up at her cousin, another tear escapes. “Oh, Joel… I feel like an idiot.”

As she leans into him to bury her face in his shoulder, he’s taken by surprise, but wraps his arms around her gently. “Hey,” he croons, “what is it, hmm? What happened?” While his tone is calm, he wracks his brain for any information he’d forgotten. This was turning out to be some kind of evening.

Taylor just lets him hold her for a minute before finally withdrawing and wiping her eyes with the back of her hand. “I’m okay now…” She takes a deep breath, calming herself. “I’m okay… really.”

Joel cocks his head. “You sure?”

“Yeah.” She nods emphatically. “I’m sorry.”

“Well don’t be sorry.” He turns to adjust one of the boxes. “I just want to make sure you’re alright.”

“Yeah, thanks.” Taylor nods again. “Just, um… I’ll wait in my car until we load up, okay?”

“Alright.” Joel shrugs, turning to leave. He was there for her, but he also knew that when Taylor didn’t want to talk, there wasn’t much he could do about it.


"Phil, what's going on?" Rocky asks his friend with worry.

Phil glances to Mike, who is still on the phone, then back to Rocky. His face is tense with concern. "I'll explain in a few minutes. For now, just keep getting your equipment together."

"But..." Rocky looks down towards where Jason and Katie were. "I don't understand. Why isn't anyone helping them?"

"Staying back is helping them," Phil counters. "Please... trust me. Help is coming."


Jason fights to remain conscious, barely able to distinguish Katie's words to him. As she slides down next to him then takes his hand, he can feel his emotions surging in her direction. They boil and spark, let loose through tiny cracks and forcefully drawn out through the smallest spaces. Jason cries out in pain. Never before had it hurt so badly. It was as if there was a dam, holding back the waters of a raging river.

Katie's drawing force puts more and more pressure on the wall, as if creating cracks for the emotions to spurt through with force. But the main waters remained trapped, unable to flow.

Jason's mind is so clouded with rampant images, thoughts and feelings that he can't even communicate with Katie. He knew he was hurting her. He knew that something was wrong. But he couldn't seem to stop it. His grip tightens around Katie's hand as the sweat starts to run down his face. His eyes were closed, his body rigid with the overwhelming tension.

Katie...

His communication was weak.

No... you can't... it's too much...

His emotions were painful and the pressure was building. But it was as if there was no way to open the dam. There was a feeling... a feeling oh so deep that he had finally succeeded in burying past his subconscious. It had been bundled tightly together and stuffed into the deepest, darkest corner of his mind, a triumph as it would never have to surface again. But...within those locked feelings was the key. He had the strength to dig down deep and pull those feelings up again, but without realizing the impact that the flashbacks of his childhood had, he does not know to release them.

The efforts of Katie, however, don't go unfelt. It seemed an eternity, but it was only minutes before just enough emotions were released. However few and however painfully, it took off just enough pressure. Jason's emotional state was still extremely unstable, still raging wildly and out of control. But for now... for at least a little while, enough emotions had been pulled out of him to leave room before another eruption.

Jason's heartrate begins to slow again, his body still shaking, but not as badly. His surroundings come into focus again, though they're dim. Every muscle in his body aches, and his grip loosens on Katie's hand. Though his eyes are shut, it's as if he can see her perfectly. "I'm sorry," he manages to whisper. "I... I don't know what's wrong."

Though calm for the moment, he was too weak to move. But something scared him even more than his own state. Katie wasn't responding. "Katie," he speaks hoarsely. His grip tightens again and he forces his eyes open. His lifeline was slumped next to him, a still form.

A desperation rises within him. All it does is make his emotions build back up faster, but he can't help it. "Katie no," he says a little louder. "Don't let go... come on..."

Shifting his weight, he puts a hand to Katie's face, running a thumb down her cheek. "Please," he whispers, his weak voice wavering. "Don't let go." He could feel the normal, relaxed pulse of the emotional flow, and knew that she had blacked out.

"Jason?"

Jason can barely get his eyes to work, but he finally looks up to see the familiar face. "Rick." He swallows hard. "Rick, she's hurt... please... help her..."

"It's okay, Jason. I'm gonna try to help you both." Rick immediately starts checking both of them over. He'd been on his way home when Mike had gotten a hold of him, so it had been a quick trip to the community building. He had driven as fast as he dared, sensing that this was something he hadn't quite encountered before.

"What happened?" he questions.

Jason leans back against the wall and shakes his head lamely. "I... I don't know. I... I lost my temper. It took over. I couldn't... couldn't stop it. Then Katie..." He winces as his headache returns with a sharp pain that surged through his skull.

"Katie what?" Rick moves to her, taking her pulse, and shining a light into her dim eyes.

Jason tries to think straight. His emotions were building again. Why hadn't they all been released? Why hadn't they broken free? Why had Katie's efforts only taken the harshest ones off the top? He should be empty. He should be on his way to recovery, not on his way to another episode. But he could feel it coming. "She... she tried to help. But it was too much."

"Is it over?"

"No." Jason shakes his head again. "I don't... I mean... I don't know why. It... it should be. But.. it..." His eyes start to roll back in his head.

"Jason!" Rick gives him a slight jolt. "Jason, stick with me here. Come on. Fight it. What's happening?"

"I don't know," Jason mumbles. "It's not the same..."

Seeing that someone was looking after Jason and Katie, Phil thinks it best to now inform Cryptic quickly before any assumptions can be made. He gestures to the door, suggesting that Rocky and Max follow him out.

Once in the fresh air, they join up with Joel, then move to where Axel and Jess still were. Taylor isn't to be found at the moment, but Phil doesn't wait to locate her.

"What's really going on?" Rocky asks, confused. "Are they okay in there? Who's the new guy?"

Phil nods. "They will be. And that's Rick - he's a physician. It's just..." He looks at his friends, knowing that he spoke the unbelievable. "Jason and Katie... they're special. We don't know why, but Jason has an emotional..." He fishes for the right words. "...battlefield inside of him."

Max squints one eye. "You mean like a disorder or something?"

"No... not really." Phil sighs. "Take general emotions. Then put them on a scale of one to ten. A one is what 'normal' people generally feel and deal with. Jason... he'd be an eleven."

Axel quirks an eyebrow and glances to Jess. He'd heard bits and pieces about this through Carson, but had never gotten the full story.

Phil continues. "Because the intensity is so great, Jason has the ability to manipulate those emotions into sort of a...." Again, he's at a loss for words.

"Energy source," Axel concludes.

Phil nods, grateful. "Exactly. And with that energy source, he can sometimes even manipulate objects and the like."

"Whoa." Rocky's eyes are wide, finding this all very peculiar. "So... what happened in there?"

"Well, if you had an energy source like that inside of you, do you think it would be easy?" Phil shakes his head. "There's a downside. Every so often, the emotions build to a climax beyond Jason's control. It's like they need a way out. They affect him physically, causing pain and making him sick within seconds. Usually it happens if he gets upset and doesn't monitor himself. Sometimes a bad spell involves flashbacks from a traumatic experience he had as a kid."

Phil shrugs, feeling as though he couldn't explain it much better than that. "And Katie... she's the exact opposite. Instead of emitting emotions, she absorbs them. For Jason, she's his life support, because with all that emotional build-up, without Katie, that energy would have nowhere to go."

"But..." Joel cocks his head. "If... he gets sick like that... without Katie, wouldn't that kill him?"

Phil nods grimly. "Yes. It would. That's why she is so important. She feels everything Jason feels, as long as there is no barrier. Which is why she was hit so hard in there. Jason lost control and to her, it's like getting hit with a freight train. Not to mention, when she gets too uptight or manipulates her own strengths, she can make any one of us feel high as a kite, or as scared as a hunted animal. Hence, why we all got so nervous in there."

The silence that follows is a strange one. This was so bizarre that if the others didn't trust Phil, they would say he was out of his mind.

"Jason would die without Kate," Axel contemplates. "Is it the same for her?"

"I think so," Phil answers. "See... it's almost like Jason's emotions are poisonous to him, and therefore have to be regularly drawn out. But to Katie, they're an antidote."

"So..." Rocky tries to ask the right questions. "What, um... what happens now?"

"Well... usually Katie can get Jason calmed down, and it just takes a while for them both to settle back down again. Just takes time, really. Usually both are worn out by the time it's over though."

"They can communicate with each other, can't they."

Phil lifts an eyebrow at Axel's statement. "How did you know that?"

Axel shrugs. "Just watching them. They hardly ever say a word to each other, but they're constantly one step ahead as if everything is planned out. Telepathy?"

"I don't know," Phil admits. "It's all connected - you'd have to ask them."

"Does this happen often?" Max asks.

"No. I was surprised at this one. Usually it's something that triggers a flashback that will cause an outbreak like that, but tonight it seemed different. I don't know why."

"Dude, this is crazy, you realize this." Max folds his arms across his chest. "I mean like... sci-fi crazy."

Phil can't help a little grin. "Stick around long enough and you'll get used to it. Jason and Katie are two great people."

Axel's mind has still been at work. "I bet all that can come in handy with the Elite."

"Yeah. You remember Scott Johnson?" Phil waits to receive the nods. "I guess Jason and Katie worked pretty well together on that rescue mission. I wouldn't be surprised if they were called on duty more often because of what they can do."

Another pause lingers before Phil's shoulders drop a little bit. "Look, um... This whole thing wouldn't have happened if there hadn't been an argument. I want to apologize to you guys for that. It was uncalled for and... I'm sorry. I guess I was just surprised. If I hadn't gotten so riled, Jason wouldn't have either."

"Well, Kyle blind sighted you," Rocky admits. "And I guess we did too. He didn't want us to tell anybody from JetStream about it because he didn't want it to be a big deal. But... maybe we didn't realize just what how big a deal it really was. So..." He looks to Max, Joel and Axel, then back to Phil. "We're sorry too."

Phil smiles a little. "You guys all really did sound fantastic."

"JetStream did too," Joel compliments. "You've got it together, that's for sure. All four of you."

The "four" makes Phil think. "I guess I owe an apology to that fourth member."

"Kyle be okay?" Axel questions.

Phil nods. "Yeah. I'll talk to him. We'll work it out."

Rocky sighs and sets his hands on his hips. "Well... I guess there's only one thing to do then."

"What's that?"

Rocky offers a wry grin, and glances in Jess' direction to ensure she's included. "Go for pizza. We have to celebrate something tonight. If it's not the awesome show, it's the awesome friendships we've got going here."

Phil shakes his head, so grateful for Rocky's leading. "Sounds good to me. Why don't you all go on ahead? I want to make sure Jason and Katie will be okay, then at least Jen and I will come up to meet you guys."

"Sounds good."

"Alright. Thanks, Rocky." A firm handshake between the friends seals the fact that there are no hard feelings lingering between them, or the bands.

After Phil heads back inside, Rocky looks around the parking lot. "Joel, where's that cousin of yours?"

"Oh..." Joel hesitates. "She's in her car I think. Let me go see if she's ready to head on out." He jogs over to he car beside the pickups, and within moments, he's back. "She said to go on without her."

Axel quirks an eyebrow. Taylor never turned down time with the guys.

Rocky senses the same strangeness. "She okay?"

"Yeah, it's just... well..." Joel shrugs. "When I came out here earlier she'd been crying or something, but she wouldn't say why."

Rocky furrows his brow, concerned. "Well it wasn't the fight - she's been out here. She wouldn't say anything?"

"Nope." Joel shrugs again. "Figured I shouldn't press the issue when she said she'd be fine. But just now she didn't look like she really wanted to go anywhere. Said she'd help load up the last things then go home."

Axel can feel the heat creeping up the back of his neck again, and he doesn't look anybody in the eye for several moments. "Taylor and I..."

The other guys look to him quickly for an explanation.

"...we had a bit of a misunderstanding earlier. That could be it."

"You guys fight or what?" Max asks.

Axel shakes his head. "I didn't think so. But maybe she did." He didn't like skirting around the truth, but how was he supposed to say that Taylor had hauled off and kissed him, let alone, without his approval? It would just sound wrong, not to mention it would embarrass her further if she found out the others knew. "I don't think she was feeling the greatest anyway."

"Yeah, it's probably that time of the month." Joel rolls his eyes. Suddenly though, his face turns crimson. He hadn't even thought about the fact that Jess was standing right there. His complete embarrassment is more than obvious as his eyes widen.

Axel looks at him calmly through the tense pause that was just waiting for laughter to erupt. "Well, Joel. That, um... that very well could be." He nods, pursing his lips in thought. "And how does your foot taste tonight?"

Rocky and Max both burst out laughing, and eventually Joel joins them too, though a bit sheepishly. "So. Pizza. Yes. Moving on. Are we going or what?"

As the gang goes to finish loading the equipment, Axel glances over to Jess, his eyes sparking with humor, even though he hadn't joined in the laughter. "So is Stormy gonna join us, or do I have to keep everyone in line by myself tonight?"


"Mike, I need your help." Rick looks over his shoulder as Phil rejoins them. "And you too. We have to get Jason and Katie down to the infirmary. Neither one of them are coming out of this and I don't know why. Jason's ready to explode again, and Katie is growing weaker."

Within minutes, Mike, Phil and Rick are working together to carry Katie to Rick's car, then help Jason out as well. His knees buckle and he has to rely on his friends' strength to get him there, finally sinking into the car seat next to Katie, pulling her close in the hopes that somehow him being near would help. But the bad feeling in the pit of his stomach warned him that his presence might just make things worse at this point. She'd already had an overdose of his emotions.

It isn't long before a foursome arrives at TJY. Plans had shifted, and now Phil and Jen had stayed behind to be with Cryptic, while Mike had been the one to go and help Rick.

With a bit of a struggle, Rick lends support to Jason, while Mike carries Katie into the building. Rick has to flip on the lights, then makes his way as quickly as possible towards the infirmary, kicking the door open.

The intrusion sends Scott bolt upright, having almost been dozing off. But seeing Jason and Katie, he is quick to slide off the bed, giving Mike room to deposit Katie onto the blankets.

"What's wrong?" Scott asks quickly.

"Jason had a bad spell," Rick responds. "Otherwise, I don't know."

"Is having," Jason mumbles a correction.

Rick gets Jason to sit on the examining table, then moves back to Katie, checking her vitals again. Mike stands back out of the way, watching and waiting for any instructions. Scott's eyes roam the room back and forth, back and forth, still shook up by the sudden intrusion, while at the same time, a sickening worry had taken over him. Forgetting about caution, he approaches the bed slowly, reaching down gently to push aside a lock of hair from Katie's face. She looked so pale. He strokes her hair softly, a quiet murmur on his lips. "You're stronger than this, Alice... don't let the queen of hearts win. Come home."


"Talk to me, Jason, what's happening?" Rick questions as he examines his now-patient.

"I... I don't know." Though alert enough to communicate, Jason still felt as if he were pausing before a wreck. The emotions were too much... too strong.

Rick shines a light into his eyes. His own worry increasing. This was so far beyond the medical field. "What was different about this time?" Not receiving a response, he tries to keep Jason from passing out. "Come on, Hotshot, stay with me. What was different?"

Jason furrows his brow, finding it hard to think. "There was no... no episode. Just... blank."

"You mean no flashback?"

"Uh-uh."

Rick's mind works quickly, and he looks his younger friend in the eye. "Jason, remember when I told you the reason for your flashbacks? Because your past holds the strongest feelings, and your emotions feed on that event in your mind?"

Jason grows more lethargic and barely nods.

Rick continues, though he wasn't even sure if he was speaking the truth. It really was a shot in the dark, but right now it was all he had. "They need those strong feelings, Jason. Your emotions need a way to break out. Why didn't you have a flashback this time?"

Jason struggles to think, and gropes for any sense of security. "Katie..." he mumbles. "I need..."

Rick forces him to look him in the eye. "She's stable for the moment. You need to think... why didn't you have a flashback?"

"I didn't... I got over them." Jason wracks his brain. "Since last time. I don't... don't think about it anymore. It's gone."

Rick tries to calculate quickly. "You sure it's gone? Or did you just bury it?"

"It hurts," Jason complains in almost a whimper.

"I know... I know." Rick looks over his shoulder to Katie, then back to Jason. "You've got to pull it back out. I know you don't want to. But your emotions need that conduit."

Jason shakes his head. "I can't. It's too deep."

"You have to. If you don't, Katie is going to get worse. There's too many mixed signals, and the emotions she is getting are too condensed. You've got to release the negative so they'll run out and stop hitting her."

"But... but letting them go could... would make her worse."

"I don't know if her being unconscious makes a difference," Rick admits. "But if not, I know that if you fall into a bad spell, it's still going to do some damage to her. But if you don't, Jason... it will be far worse. You need to do this... You need to let it go so you can calm down again, so Katie will have enough peace and quiet to pull through."

Rick pauses, searching Jason's face. "Tell me about your past," he orders firmly.

"No."

"Tell me about Alex," Rick prompts. It pained him to do this, but it was the only thing he could think of. He was desperate. "Where did he take you?"

Jason closes his eyes shut tight. He didn't want to think about this. He'd finally managed to bury all of those things. Why was Rick forcing him to bring them out again? "His house."

"What did it look like?"

"It was small... dark."

"How did he treat you?"

Jason starts to shut down, not wanting to go there.

Rick takes him by the shoulders, giving him a short shake, his voice raising. "Talk, or you're going back into that room!"

Jason's eyes snap up to meet Rick's, the look of a terrified little boy surfacing. "No," he begs. "Don't."

"So help me, I will!" Rick glares at him. "You'll be locked in there. In the dark. Alone. No food. And Alex is coming."

"No!"

"Yes! He's coming and he's going to hit you again. He's going to scream at you again. Remember the room? Remember? How does it feel, Jason? No one is coming. You're alone and all you want to do is die."

"No!" Jason's scream sends an overhead light into a shower of sparks. His memories are ripped from their secure hiding place, creating the world of nightmares he hated so much. "No," he moans, leaning down to lay on his side and curl up. But the damage Rick had accomplished was enough to push him over the edge.

His body shakes and be breaks out in a cold sweat. He was back in that horrid room again. A gash was on his hand. He'd tried to get out. Blood came from the broken blisters on his fingers after he'd tried to claw through the wall. But that wasn't the worst part. The worst part was that he could hear Alex coming. The shadow appears beneath the door. Jason cowers in the corner. The beating was coming... again. It was coming. And there was no way out.

Tears stream down his face as he starts to mumble incoherent words and he rocks, still curled up tightly. Reality was lost, and his emotions poured forth, bursting from their prison. Nearby equipment rattles and the other lights flicker, but no damages is done as the emotions are not condensed or aimed, but simply hurled into oblivion.

Jason writhes in pain, mumbling as he tries to find reality again. It hurt... it hurt so much. But there was finally some release. Finally, finally, his emotions had a way to flow, as if a dam had been opened. Feeding off of his negative feelings and horrific memories, they surged forth through the barriers, pouring out to leave behind their own scars.

Rick stands close, watching Katie, and knowing that whatever was happening, even if she were unconscious, it was affecting her. He could only pray that there was no permanent damage and that when Jason could finally settle down, that she would be able to pull through. It was his only hope. And if it didn't work... he would blame himself for forcing the situation to worsen by provoking Jason into this state.

"Come on, Jason," he prompts gently. "I know you can pull yourself out of it."

"Can he?" Mike questions from the other side of the room. "I thought he needed Katie."

"It depends on the severity of the episode," Rick answers. "Pray that this one is severe enough to get rid of enough emotions that we can be in the safe zone, but that it will be weak enough that he can pull himself out of it."

"What if he doesn't?"

Rick grits his teeth, not wanting to answer that one. He wasn't about to lose two patients, let alone two friends.

"Rick?"

He spins around to Jason once more. "Jason. You still with me?"

Jason's eyes flutter open as the fog begins to lift. He blinks, not even wanting to move, his body hurt so much. "What... I..."

"Slowly," Rick directs, laying a hand on Jason's shoulder. "Easy does it. You're safe. You're in the infirmary."

"Alex..."

"He's gone. You're okay."

Jason swallows hard. He felt so weak. But the tension was gone. The horrid pressure had been released. "Katie?"

Rick glances over his shoulder. "She'll be okay," he assures. "Just sit tight." He didn't understand how Jason was able to pull himself out of such a severe episode, but his hunch was that despite Katie's unconsciousness, her presence alone had still served to create a place for Jason's emotions to go. But now that the negative onslaught was over, Rick could only hope that the flow really had stopped, and if it had, that it would be enough to bring Katie back.

Scott eases down in a chair next to the bed, his hands folded as his elbows rested on his knees, a silent prayer being lifted up. For the first time, he had someone else to focus on, other than himself. They needed the attention more than he did.