Haywire emotions

"Mmm..." Sparky swallows another mouthful of soup. "Well, you do a good job. And lemme tell ya, I've had a lot of different food in my time. I think I could handle this soup any day."

Glancing up now and again, he would catch Faith's eye and just look at her for a moment as if trying to see what lay behind her gaze. Indeed he was. He wondered what it was about her that drew him in. What was it that made him unable to keep his eyes off her for too long? What was it about her voice that made him want to listen, just to hear it? What was it that made her eyes shine with joy, even though she faced many trials? Perhaps simply knowing that she had sacrificed the last few days to help care for him was what intrigued Sparky.

Engaging himself in a bit of small talk, he chats while he eats, telling Faith about some of his horseback riding adventures, tales of where he used to live, and how God had helped him and this family through so much. Long after his soup bowl was empty, he wonders if he's ever talked so much in his life and hopes he hasn't bored Faith to death.

Even so, his body was growing more tired after it had been through so much the last few days. Eventually, he has slid back down on his side with his head on his pillow once more. The small talk was continuing, but it was Faith's turn, so Sparky listens, but his eyes grow heavy. He tries to keep them open because he wanted to listen, but before he knew it, he had slipped into sleep.

His chest moves in and out slowly in a gentle rhythm, his hand slowly sliding down to hang off the bed. Thankfully, his mug was empty of tea and it hung from his fingers instead of crashing to the floor.


Kyle chuckles as he likes hearing Alice's dreams, no matter if they were realistic or not. "Who knows... with the way things are going, nothing should surprise me anymore. Not to mention, it's all backward. How many guys get asked to head up a band that's already established? And to go with his name? It's crazy. Then to blend so well that one would think they'd been together forever... not to mention the chance for a record company to hear you?" He shakes his head. "That's God for ya though, huh? Always full of surprises and nothing that seems logical."

Pausing, he cocks his head to see Alice's face, a quirky grin forming. Wriggling his weight around, he pulls her up on top of him so he can wrap both arms around her in a tight squeeze. "Kind of like us. Totally illogical."

Still grinning, he brushes her hair from her face before gently pulling her closer so he can give her a kiss. It was only in the quiet moments alone that he let his passion through, and today he was just happy to be with his best friend.

Drawing back, his eyes carry on his smile. "Wherever this band ends up going... you'll come with me, won't you?" It wasn't the first time he asked her, and probably wouldn't be the last. But her assurance that she wouldn't leave was something that he clung to.


William strides to the door and opens it halfway, peering out to see who was there. Though his face was somewhat stern, there was a softness to his eyes. A smile was hard to find, but if one looked close enough, they could see it. "Hello, Karla." He also had a good memory. "Come in, please."

He opens the door wider and ushers her inside out of the chilly air. "I heard you might be coming," he muses. "You must be here to see Carol. Follow me, please."

His step is long but slow as he leads Karla down one hall, down a couple steps, up a few more, then down another hall and finally into what appeared to be a large study. "Someone to see you," he announces.

Carol had yet to meet Karla officially, though she had seen her spending time with the others last night. Looking up from her desk, a wisp of blonde/gray hair flutters on her cheek. Her eyes twinkle as a smile comes to her lips. "You must be Karla. Hello."

Standing, she walks across the room, nodding to William. "Thank you."

Nodding back, William takes his leave.

Carol looks back to Karla, still smiling. She was a tall and slender, elegant woman, fitting the this wealthy house, yet not holding any fake airs about her. "Kip told me you might be coming." She chuckles. "I couldn't tell if he wanted more for me to have the help or for you to have the job."

Wandering to a small table to the side, she motions for Karla to join her and sit. Folding her hands on the table, she gives a little sigh before explaining. "While we have a big house here, we don't keep as many employees as a lot of people would. We like to put our money to better use and so we all pitch in with upkeep. We do have a cook though, and a butler." She pauses, her eyes seeming to laugh. "He thinks being called a 'butler' sounds too stuffy though so we just call him William. Anyway, for some time, we've also had someone here every day who keeps things clean and in order. However, the last woman hired needed to leave suddenly, and this poor house is getting dustier by the day."

Pausing to collect her thoughts, Carol studies Karla a moment before going on. "It's really not hard work - nothing heavy. It's just dusting, cleaning floors and windows, maybe doing some laundry, and on occasion helping in the kitchen. Hours are flexible though in all honesty, it will take about thirty hours a week. You wouldn't have to work weekends, though if you'd rather have a different day off than Saturday, we can work that out too. Sunday's off are a must though - the whole house rests."

She stops again, her swarm smile returning. "If you like, I can walk you through the house so you know what all is involved."


Laura sits at the dinner table, picking at her food. Maggie was so sensitive when it came to other people's feelings that Laura really didn't want her to see her like this tonight. She felt miserable... and a little sick to her stomach too. Part of her problem though was that her husband was sitting right across from her and she had yet to tell him the news. Come to think of it, she'd barely made eye contact at all with him tonight.

Unable to stand the unusual silence any longer, she gets up from the table, taking her plate to the sink. She could feel Nate's eyes watching her, and could sense the questions he wasn't asking as he allowed her to have her own space. It wasn't like her not to talk to him... but tonight, she just didn't know how.

Not even bothering to clear off anything else from the table, Laura wanders to the living room. Sinking down on the couch, she hugs a throw pillow and pulls her knees up to curl into the corner. Right now, all she wanted was a hug... to be held... to bury herself into Nate's strong arms and forget how weak she felt. But knowing she was terrible company tonight, she didn't want to ask. He'd had a hard day himself, and she didn't want to burden him with trying to make her feel better.

Pulling herself up a little tighter, she closes her eyes, wishing for a moment that she were someone else... someone stronger... someone more grateful for what she had. She wished she were a better wife... someone more deserving of this life. With her emotions going haywire, it took all she had not to cry again. And a secret corner of her heart hoped that even though she'd been less than sociable tonight, that she would feel the couch move and know that Nate was near.

Paper

Alice's eyes twinkle as she sits with Kyle. Just having time to be the two of them again felt good. It was easy to get lost in the glits of everything, but when time came along like this it really made you appreciate being long once more.

Leaning her head on Kyle's chest Alice just listens to him talk. His voice, words so soothing. A grin on her own face as she invasions a house like Kyle explained.

"Mmmm...my own room for writing...that would be amazing. Set up everything just how I want, have desks for everything...I couldnt even start my own paper."

Alice gives a little giggle knowing she was going over bored with the whole idea. But it was fun to dream.

"Yeah, that would be nice."

Coming up to the front door Karla lets out a long shaky sigh. She felt nervous, not sure why but she did. It might be that today she would find out if she had a job or not. Or it could be the odd feeling of working for her friends, friends mom that put the feeling in her stomach. But eather way she could us the money so she had to try.

Reaching out to push the doorbell Karla just waited shafting her weight from one foot to the next. Not sure who would answer the door, or what to even say when they did Karl waited.

Just looking back into Gage Sapphire can feel her heart start to pound louder as he draws closer. Her eyes never leaving his, as they seemed to capture his and she fell into them. His breath on her skin, it felt so nice, so warm.

As Gage draws in even closer Sapphire's eyes fall shut, feeling Gage's lips press aganst her it felt like a million volts ran through her at once. His lips so gentile, his passion so great even in such a little kiss. Letting her own emotions go and letting the kiss become more deeper Sapphire had never felt a feeling and a tingle like this before and she liked it. Her own emotions, and return kiss proving she did enjoy it.

As Gage pulls away Sapphire can't help the smile the was placed on her lips. Keeping her eyes closed for a few moments longer just trying to charis what was just shared. Finally opening her eyes to look at Gage feeling his finger run along her cheek there was a twinkle in her eye of the emotions she felt.

"The defiantly was a memorie worth making."

Just searching Gage's face, and his eyes his hand still on her face Sapphire wouldnt mind making another memorie. Leaning in wanting just one more kiss, her stomach makes a loud growl and her face turn red as she pulls away again.

"I guess my stomach is warning me again that I better eat."

Keeping her hand linked with Gage's she gives a soft smile to him.

"How about we grab some food?"

As the bathroom door opens and the smell of soap fills the air Faith looks up from the table. Seeing Sparky and how well he cleaned up Faith had to look away quick before finding herself stairing to long once again.

With in no time Faith has the food ready and and was serving it to them both. Hearing that Sparky liked the food made Faith feel good on the inside and she couldnt help the smile that spread on her lips.

"I made it myself. Its one of the few things I remember my mother making in Thailand. I braught some spice and stuff with us when I came here because I new I couldnt find it here. I was hopping it would come in handy and I...guess it had."

Taking her own spoon of soup Faith sips it quietly before looking back up at Sparky. Something about him just made her feel so at ease. She just felt...comfortable with him, and his voice was so soft yet strong at the same time. Faith loved listing to him talk.

Rosetta gives a nod even though Mick cant see her. She always hated when there conversations came to an end.

"I will tell him. I love you Mick. I can't wait for you to get home."

Hanging up the phone Rosetta lets out a long sigh. She did miss him, and she new BJ did too. Standing she goes and makes her way to the kitchen to start something for BJ to eat.

Imagine

Mick falls silent, hating the things that separated him from his family right now. It was his own fault though, and he was paying for it. But it wouldn't be forever. If he could just hold out for a little longer... just a little longer.

"Mick?"

He turns quickly to see Brenda's gentle nod. Sighing, he focuses back on his phonecall. "I gotta go... I'll call back as soon as I get another chance. Tell BJ to keep the checkers board out."


Once showered and dressed, Sparky realizes just how sick he's been. Even this little bit of activity had him exhausted, and he was ready for more sleep. But he wanted to eat first.

Exiting the bathroom, he had on clean jeans, a t-shirt and socks, his hair still wet. He'd managed to get his face shaved, thankful to be rid of the itchy scruff. He wanders to the bed to sit again, bypassing the table for now... the bed was just so much more comfortable. He props himself up with pillows and closes his eyes a moment. "I feel better and worse at the same time," he muses.

Sighing, he opens his eyes again to watch Faith getting the soup ready. Cocking his head a little, he wonders again why she chose to be here, rather than outdoors or spending time with Annie.

Once he's set with the soup in front of him, he has a silent prayer then takes a bite. He cringes just a little as the hot liquid hits his one tooth... he still hadn't seen a dentist. But the pain was quickly replaced by the good taste of the meal. "Mmm... I don't know if I'm just that hungry or what, but this is really good." He takes another bite, eating slowly. "Who made it?"


Gage's eyes don't break from Sapphire's. He liked the feeling of her hand on his face... it was warm and soft. The far corner of his mouth upturns just a little, but he takes his time responding to her permission. He wanted these times with her burned into his memory, not rushed.

Mimicking her own movement, Gage takes his hand to cradle the side of Sapphire's face. It was even softer than he'd imagined against his palm. To be so close to those sparkling eyes was like being close to the stars. She'd accepted him when no one else did... she'd willingly been his friend when he deserved so much worse. And he couldn't help the feelings he had towards her now. Maybe he hadn't planned it, and maybe she didn't even feel quite the same way towards him... but he wanted to show her how grateful he was... and what his feelings really meant. 'Thank you' just didn't cut it anymore.

Leaning in close, Gage pauses with his eyes inches from hers. He searches them again, as if almost afraid she'd change her mind. But not seeing resistance, he cocks his head and gently touches her lips with his own, his eyes falling shut.

Still holding her one hand, he shifts his palm towards her own, interlocking her fingers with his. His other hand continues to cradle her face, keeping her chin tilted towards him. Letting himself be drawn into the moment, he ventures a deeper kiss, finding it sweeter than he'd imagined.

He lets the exchange linger for several quiet moments before he pulls away, his eyes opening again as his thumb gently runs along her cheek. "Thank you."


Laura sits in her car in the police station parking lot as another tear runs down her cheek. Her afternoon break was over before her late work day was finished out... she needed to go back inside now, but even more, she needed to compose herself first. She didn't need the others asking her what was wrong.

But sitting several more moments, her silent tears turn into sobs as she leans forward to rest her forehead on the steering wheel. She'd hoped that her doctor's visit would not confirm her fears... but it had. She wasn't ready for this. She hadn't planned this. She knew Nate wanted kids before either of them got too much older... they'd talked about it, but had not planned anything. She'd thought they were safe. But apparently their intentions had not been enough.

Now what would happen? She'd wanted to spend at least a couple more years in law enforcement - it was her passion. She and Nate had planned several trips for this coming year. They were doing okay financially, but things had been a little tight lately. Now her career would be forced to come to a sudden halt. The trips would have to be canceled - she either couldn't go that late in the game or they wouldn't be going with a baby. And finances... they just weren't ready for this.

Still crying, Laura lifts her face and pushes her hair back behind her ears. Grabbing some leftover napkins she kept in the car, she blows her nose and tries to dry her eyes. Deep down she knew that this was a blessing. Deep down she knew that if she and Nate had tried to avoid this at this point in time, that it must be God's plan. But that didn't take away the shock. From this point on, her life would never be the same. And it was a change she had not been prepared for. It wasn't her timing... it wasn't even her choice.

She liked where she was at... she liked her job, she liked her freedom of being able to go where she wanted, whenever she wanted. Now she would be staying at home, taking a baby with her wherever she went, or forced to hire a babysitter, which they couldn't afford anyway. The nights would be long and their homelife would be completely turned upside down. Nights out with their friends would be reduced to a minimum. Her time alone with girlfriends would be close to naught. All focus and energy would have to go towards one thing. Quiet nights would end... and there would be a whole new batch of serious responsibilities. Raising a child... raising it right and raising it in the Lord... talk about a burden she wasn't prepared for.

Taking a shaky breath, Laura swallows all the fear she could, in order to make herself presentable. Like it or not, she had a job to do right now. She had to set aside this discovery at least for today. She had to figure out how to deal with it all and figure out how she was going to be able to accept this change. Because she knew that there was no turning back now. From here on out, she had a completely different life. Like it or not, they'd passed the point of no return.

Her phone rings, making her jump. Seeing it was Con, she hesitates, but answers it anyway. "Hello?"

"Hey, Laura, it's me. Need a favor, if you're at work."

Laura sniffs. "Yeah... yeah, I'm here. What do you need?"

There's a pause. "You alright?"

"I'm fine."

"You don't sound fine."

Tears pool in Laura's eyes again and her voice cracks. "I'm fine, Con... just tell me what you need."

"Well I needed some files transferred over here... but I'd rather know what's wrong."

"Nothing!" Laura didn't like not telling Con. But if Nate ever found out that Con knew this news before him, he'd be more than upset. "Email me what you need and I'll get you the files today."

Con hears a click a the other end of the line and blinks at the dead phone. There was a strange feeling in the pit of his stomach that he'd never felt before. Laura had never cut him off like that before... ever, that he could remember. And even if she couldn't resolve her problems right away, she'd always told him what was wrong, whether she shouted at him or just needed a hug from her big brother. This was so unusual that it really threw him for a loop, and it hurt just a little bit too. Trying to forget about it, he hangs up and goes back to his work.

Drying her eyes again, Laura grabs her purse to put her phone away and finally gets out of her car. Throwing on her sunglasses, she heads into the station, prepared with an excuse for her red eyes.


The long day of practice was over. More would come tomorrow. Everyone needed to buckle down and get in all they could before presenting themselves. They'd come amazingly far in a short amount of time and for having Kyle as a new member, but all could only credit it to God. He had blended their personalities and talents just right so that anyone listening would think all of them had been together for years.

Kip paces around in the living room, bored. It was his day off as far as maintenance went, practice was done, and he didn't dare take a ride across town lest he be wallopped by Erik again. He looks at the clock. No one had said anything to him... had Karla called? Would she come? He couldn't help but hope she'd accept the job offer and at least come to see if Erik's mom would hire her.


In the back sunroom, it was quiet. Kyle sat in the corner of the couch, curled up with Alice as they took a breather alone. Kyle was tired from all of the activity, so relaxing felt good.

"This has been nice," he comments. "Unfortunately, I think I could get used to this." He doesn't move his head, but his eyes roam the room. His one hand absentmindedly rubs Alice's arm. He chuckles lightly. "Maybe when I hit it big, we could afford a place like this, eh? Plenty of room... indoor pool... throw in a white picket fence for good measure." He grins. "Can you imagine having your own room just for your writing?"

O.O

Just listing to Mick again Rosetta's heart ached. She couldn't wait till Mick would be home again. It just seemed so lonely without him.

"I love you too Mick so very much. I wish I cold hold you right now, but I know you need to stay. I wait your return with open arms."

She really did mean it. Rosetta would wait till the end of time to have Mick in her arms again as long as she did. Loving him more than words could say Rosetta could never move one without him.

"BJ can't wait for you to come home eather. He miss you and loves you."

Looking up from the food at Sparky's razzing Faith could feel her cheeks turn red again. Not having time to reply to Sparky all Faith can do it laugh. It was good to see the humor come back in Sparky. Going back to the food Faith gets it ready for Sparky's return.

Feeling Gage's finger run along her palm, a chill runs down Sapphire's back as her heart starts to beat just a little bit faster than before. It was a feeling she could help.

Looking back into Gage's eyes and searching for the meaning behind his words they seemed like a cool drink to her ears. So soft, and full of emotion. Hearing he wanted to kiss her, was something Sapphire hadn't expected.

Bringing her free hand to the side of Gage's face Sapphire runs her own thumb over his cheek and jaw. Just letting her hand linger for a long moment as the smile stayed formed on her face.

"I'd say, that would be a memorie worth having for the both of us. Yes, Gage I would let us have that moment."

If

Mick turns around and folds one arm across his chest, contemplating Rosetta's compromise. "That sounds fair," he agrees. "The last thing I want is for BJ to pick up bad habits. I love Dylan, but I don't want him at the ranch either if he'll be a bad influence on BJ. I'm hoping that it'll work the other way around but... if it doesn't... I'll let him go."

He meant it. He knew that he'd put up a fight to leave Rosetta and BJ to rescue Dylan, but more emotionally stable now, he could think through his logic better. "Rosetta..." He bites his lip. "I just... I want you to know I'm trying really hard. I want to come home now, but I'm relying on Adam to tell me when he thinks I'm ready. I just miss you so much... I miss seeing you in the morning..." He gives a soft chuckle. "I miss your cooking. I even miss how you yell at me when I do something stupid. I... I promise this is the last time this is going to happen. I'll be hanged if I ever let myself down like this again."


Sparky's head snaps up to Faith's comment, his eyes widening just a little. Her further stumblings only prove to raise his eyebrows even higher. Staring at her, he blinks. He knew good and well she'd meant nothing by what she'd said, and the implications were the farthest thing from the true motivation of her original comment. But even so, it had caught him off guard.

The corners of his mouth start to twitch and before he knew it, he was laughing. His face was just as red as hers, but his eyes twinkled with an innocent humor, renewed after being so sick. "You better be careful... it's my turn." It did seem as though they were taking turns with embarrassing themselves all of a sudden, but Sparky was finding it rather humorous at this point. "You never know when I'll strike again."

Still grinning, he manages to roll out of bed and stand a bit shakily. He was a little dizzy, but he wants to be up moving badly enough that he grits his teeth and wanders towards the bathroom. "You can warm up the soup... I'll, uh.... trust you not to barge through an unlocked door."

Not giving Faith time to respond, he slips into the bathroom, shutting the door behind him.


Gage looks down at Sapphire's hand in his and slowly moves his thumb to caress her palm. Then glancing back up to see her eyes again, he's so quiet... as if he's totally lost what they'd been talking about. It wasn't true though. He was only trying to understand her words and know their meaning.

"If I'm supposed to worry about today... and tomorrow... then that means worrying about each single moment." His voice is barely above a whisper. "And if I took this moment for all it was worth... and filled it with what I could carry into tomorrow... and if what I wanted to carry into tomorrow was the memory of kissing you... would you let me?"

Shower

Giving another small laugh Faith gives a nod as she moves to the small fridge on the far end of the room. Starting to take a few things from the fridge. The cool air on her face felt nice helping it cool down a little. Standing and turning to Sparky again she gives a little nod.

"Oh I guess you can go get squeaky clean. I promise I wont watch."

Realizing the comment she just made and how it could be takin it was Faith's turn for her face to turn red. Stumbling over her words Faith trys her best best to explain what she ment.

"What I ment was...since I have...been watching over you the last few days...and I didn't want you to....think I would keep watching you in the shower."

Turning back to the food Faith opens one of the containers quickly fumbling with it for a moment. She couldnt believe she had just said that.

Sitting in the small chair in the livingroom of her house Rosetta watches as BJ plays with some of his toys of the floor, and Listing to Mick on the other end of the phone. It was good to hear his voice again and know he was doing well.

Hearing Dylan was off drugs was a good thing, but hearing he still wouldn't talk Rosetta felt bad. For Dylan and Mick both. What could the boy be scared of, or hiding that would keep he locked up like this.

At Mick comment of bringing Dylan to the ranch Rosetta thinks for a long moment. With his mouth, and the chip on his shoulder would Dylan really be a good influence for BJ at such a young age? It worryed Rosetta, but how could she say No. Maybe a compramise would be a good salution.

"He can come here, but if BJ starts to pick up any of his bad habbits Mick he will have to go. BJ is at that point right now where he looks up to everyone and picks up on everything they are doing."

Sapphire liked the comments so full of thought that Gage sometimes threw out. Even if they were random and to some they didn't understand Sapphire could never tire of what he had to say. The comment about her eyes was no different and it made her feel warm and fuzzy even if there was a little bit of redness coming to her cheeks.

Feeling Gage's hand on her skin Sapphire closed her eyes for moment. His hands were rough from the work outside he had been doing, but to Sapphire she likes them. Opening her eyes again she gently takes Gage's hand in her own looking down at it for a long moment. She had a million of her own thoughts that ran thought her mind even if she didnt voice them. Being here with Gage, she always had a nice time and just feeling the warmth of his hand in her own...it was nice. Looking up into Gage's eyes again Sapphire searches them again her own eyes gicing a little twinkle.

"The time lost is not important. Worry about what you have today, and tomorrow is what matters."

Lost time

Sparky could feel the heat in his face worsening, even though he knew Faith was trying to make him feel less embarrassed. Her soft laugh and comment bring his eyes back up again, seeming almost surprised that no one would have compared her to an angel before.

Just wanting to get past the whole thing, he concentrates on Faith's question, quickly moving on, though his face remains red for several more minutes, especially when he realizes that she'd been looking at him for as long as he had been looking at her. "Um... yeah... yeah, I think I could handle something to eat. But..." He glances down, then up again. "I think I'd be better company if I can manage to get myself in the shower then into some clean clothes first. I mean... if you don't mind waiting a few minutes?"


"...he's not been very cooperative with the counseling sessions. Though Brenda says that it's strange because as far as the drugs go, he seems relieved. She thinks he's hiding something... I don't have a clue." Mick leans against the wall, looking out the window as he talks with Rosetta. It had been a long several days he'd gone without another phone call, so being able to talk with her again now, he was getting in as much as he could.

"At any rate, I told Adam I was thinking about having Dylan come stay with us. But... I didn't know if you'd be okay with that. Right now he's got a chip on his shoulder the size of Canada, and he's got a mouth on him I'd like to wash out with soap. Thing is, I don't feel right about sending him right back to where he got in trouble in the first place. I'd like to give him a chance, just... only if you think it would be alright."


Gage smiles a little. "A good heart, huh? I guess a lot of people would beg to differ." Searching Sapphire's eyes for a moment or two, he seems to be deep in thought, a thousand miles away.

"The lights from the tree... they make your eyes look blue." Though he'd completely changed the subject, it didn't seem to matter much. He often did, proving that his mind took many different avenues and that it didn't bother him to let his thoughts wander and deepen where they would.

"I... don't know why you stick with me," he comments softly. "But I am grateful... I don't say it enough. You've done so much... and you're my only friend. I didn't know what it was like to have a real friend before you..."

Reaching up, he brushes a strand of her hair back in place. Upon retreat though, his hand gently touches the side of Sapphire's face. "They never let me have friends," he whispers. "I don't know how to... make up for lost time."

Color

Faith can't help the red color that came to her own face she her lips turned into a smile that was bigger than one she had, had in a while. It was easy to tell Sparky at first really didnt mean to flirt, but still what he had said still made her feel good to think someone would think she was pretty.

"An Angel huh? I do have to say I've never been compared to one of those before. But there is a first for everything. Thank you."

Shaking her head and giving another laugh Faith trys to let the color clear up from her face. She didnt want to make Sparky feel anymore uncomfortable, or embarrassed than he already was.

"Think you can stomach some food? There is a little left over soup here I can warm up for you."

Faith gave a soft smile to Sparky hoping it would help him get past his embarrassment. Finally turning her own eyes away from him relizing she had been mapping his face for the last five minutes.

Looking back at Gage she was happy there were friends. It wasnt often she was close to someone but Gage it just came so easy to get alone with him, and not feel strange around him. It could simply be because he accepted her the way she was.

"Yeah, sometimes its hard for me too. Perfection is something most people strive to obtain but till we come face to face with God we never will be."

Pulling away from Gage just a little Sapphire holds a big smile on her face. Her eyes twinkled showing what she said she really ment.

"I know you will make it Gage. Your a strong person with a good heart."

...from James

Sparky is a little surprised, hearing that Faith had been here more than Angel had requested. Why, he wasn't sure. But the caring heart he'd started to see the first day now was very evident. This woman was full of a loving peace that Sparky could feel, just being near to her.

Turning his head a little to look up at her, his eyes roam her face as they often did. Then giving a little sigh, he manages to get himself into a sitting position, leaning back against the wall. It took more effort than planned, proving juts how weak he was. Coughing again, he finds a glass of water near and takes a long sip, letting it soothe his throat.

"Man... it's been a long time since I've been hit this bad," he comments. "Weird dreams... or hallucinations or something." Rubbing his forehead, a few foggy memories surface. He gives a little chuckle. "I could have sworn at some point there was an angel sitting right here." He gestures to the edge of the bed. "She was beautiful - her voice was like the sound of a summer rain. And she was quoting... no, reading..."

The memory becomes just a little clearer and Sparky recalls the soft features and the wisps of strawberry hair falling alongside her face. Suddenly, his eyes snap up to Faith, the rest of his phrase trailing off. "...from James..." A crimson shade creeps up his neck and into his face. The level of embarrassment was the same as when he'd made a fool out of himself several days ago when he'd been introduced to her. Only this time, he had no escape route.


Gunner lets out the breath he'd been holding and he grins. "Thanks, guys. I'll be in touch. Keep it under your hats, okay?"

Scott nods, and watches as Gunner backs away, then leaves the office. He opens the bottom desk drawer to pull out a new bag of jerky. "I have a feeling we're gonna need this." After tearing into it, he offers some to Dalton as was the frequent ritual. "First one to get past the first security doesn't have to pay for the next round of Mountain Dew."


By now, Gage was used to Sapphire's comfort, and he didn't resist the arm she put around his shoulder. Quite honestly, it felt good right about now.

Listening quietly, Gage tries to process everything that she was saying. Some of it was a little difficult, but if he pushed aside his frustration, he understood a little easier. Sapphire's observation about his behavior now versus when he was with the Agency was something he hadn't thought of. If he'd still been with the Agency, the man today might not still be alive.

Continuing to listen, he wonders about her reference to God. She talked about Him often, not just when referring to Christmas. The concept was intriguing, but usually Gage kept his questions to himself, spending time to ponder them and just take in whatever information Sapphire offered.

Sitting in the quiet for several minutes, Gage looks at the tree again, then slowly lets his head lean to the side until it was resting against Sapphire's. "So what you're telling me is that it could have been worse but I'll never be perfect."

He gives a wry chuckle before sighing deeply. "I guess you're right... I'm just feeling sorry for myself. It's just... hard some days."

Pausing, he purses his lips. "I just want to get through this community service so I can actually do something with myself..." He glances around the room. "Get something better than this."

Shifting a little, he turns his head so his eyes are just inches from Sapphire's. His voice goes quiet. "Do you really think I can? Succeed, I mean?"

Let the games begin!

Another smile forms on Faith's face. Only knowing Sparky for a few Faith had already come to realize he had quite a seance of humor and not to take half of what he said seriously. It was nice to see Sparky had his sence of humor back now, and the smile behind his eyes.

"I didn't get anything but the satisfaction of knowing you were ok, and if you needed anything I could get it. To be honest I don't even think Angel new I was here half as long as I have been."

Faith stands and gives a stretch setting the book down on the small night stand. If Sparky felt strong enough maybe she could get him outside. Fresh air would be good for him and it would give a chanse for the stail are in the room to circulate. But she would wait first to see how he felt completely.

Bringing a hand to his chin as he thinks while listing to Gunner. Dalton listens to every word to a T. Taking in what information Gunner was giving them, processing it, and than forming a plan. Long before he was even asked or herd Scott would do it, Dalton had told himself yes he would do it. If someone was where they were not meant to be, and it was due to a parent, or some kind of family member there it had a reason. And that reason could very well be to shut them up. Gunner's friend was in danger and what they could be doing to that poor girl in a place like that it filled Dalton with more anger than sorrow.

Turning to his computer Dalton does a little typing bring up a few differnt pages. Looking to Scott and than to Gunner he inquires.

"You said Crescentview Mental Facility right?"

Going back to the computer and typing it in more sacrity windows poped up. They did have tight security in this place. Exicelent, it would feed Dalton's mind and challange him an Scott. How could he say no to that.

Giving a sidelong glance to Scott and than Gunner his mouth curls up into a smile.

"Let the games begin!"

Listing as Gage trys to explain what happened today Sapphire can't help but feel a little sorry for him. She new he hated feeling this way, but she also new that this was not started by him, but by the other person. Even thought it was wrong Sapphire couldn't blame him. Sge night of done the same thing if someone had pushed her.

Moving a little closer Sapphire gentile sets herself down on Gage's air mattress doing her best to move softly so she didnt launch Gage off. Scooting next to him she puts a gentil arm over his shoulders.

"There is a differnce between what you did for the Agency and what happened today. Though both are wrong this time it was self defense. This guy pushed, and punched you first. Its anyone's naturel defence to fight back to try and protect yourself and you stoped when the cop asked you to. Would you have done that a few months back when with the Agency?"

Sapphire new more than likely the answer was no. Gage had changed and come such a long way, the last thing she wanted was for him to think he was slipping. Thought todays events would set them back just a little Sapphire could only hope Gage would understand what she was saying.

"Though that dosnt give you the right to go around looking for the person to swing first, you in no way changing back to who you use to be."

Gently rubbing Gage's shoulder with her hand that was around him Sapphire leans her head against his for a moment just staying quiet. Thinking, about Gage's last comment and everyone being in charge of him. Picking her head up again to look at Gage she just searches his face for a long moment.

"You know your wrong in thinking everyone is in charge of you. The only one who in charge is you. You make the desitions in your life no one else does. The only real question you have to ask yourself is are the consequences worth a bad one. You pick up trash because its what you choose to do instead of going to jail. You can choose not to go, but than I might never see you again. You choose to let me in and help you. You didn't have to but than...where would you be right now?"

Sapphire's eyes still search Gage's. Thinking about her next comment.

"In the end though there is someone we need to answer to and that's God. I know when I stand before him in my final days I'd rather tell him about all the good things I did, and how I lived like he wanted than have to beg for my life when he tells me all the wrong he saw. Does that mean I am perfect?"

Sapphire gives a little laugh.

"..I only with I was. But its a comforting feeling to know he will forgive me when I mess up. And let me tell you, I've messed up a lot in my life too."

Pity party

For the last few days? Sparky's eyebrows lift just a little. "Angel must be offering quite the perks for being her nurse," he muses. It was obvious that his humor had returned, and he couldn't believe that she would have sat all this time just because she wanted to. "I'll have to look into changing careers and working for her to see what I'd get for sitting and watching patients."


Gunner straightens up and folds his arms, knowing that he could trust these two men. "There's a young woman who was taken to Crescentview Mental Facility. Problem is, she doesn't belong there. She's not crazy or unstable in any way. It has something to do with her parents and money, but we're still trying to figure out those facts."

Scott interrupts. "Who's we?"

"Me and Dr. Jack Timble, her uncle."

"Jack Timble..." Scott furrows his brow. "I've heard that name."

"Could be. He used to help out the Texas gang years back." Gunner purses his lips. "He and I are trying to get Bree out of that place before they ruin her. They've got high security though, and they've got the both of us tagged. We couldn't get in there if we had permission from the president."

Scott tries to process the information. "Alright... so what do you want from us?"

"Information. I've tried to get all I could but I just can't get very deep. I know computers, but not that well. JT's been trying to go through legal channels - but we're both getting frustrated, and we've been talking about getting in by other means. Things like using security cards or using businesses that have clearance."

"Like electric companies or delivery trucks."

"Exactly. Thing is, we don't know what companies they use. We don't know what their security cards are. We don't know what their ID badges look like. We don't know the names of their staff who have high clearance."

Scott glances to Dalton again before thinking it through. "This is gonna take some hacking... and some time."

"I know. That's why I'm asking you two. If you can't or don't want to, then JT and I will have to find a different route. But you're the best. I'm hitting too many dead ends to keep on by myself. And time is running out. We have to get Bree out of there."

Scott takes a deep breath, letting it out slowly. "I know you don't usually ask for favors... so this must be pretty important. I'll do what I can..." He turns to Dalton. "What do you say?"


Gage hears the key turning in the lock, but he doesn't get up. Sapphire was the only other person with a key, so he trusted it was just her. And he was right. But even as she enters, he makes no move to stand. He just sits, looking at the tree or down at the floor. It was the first time in quite a while he'd felt anywhere close to miserable.

At Sapphire's question, he shrugs lamely. "Yeah, I'm fine... I will be."

Picking at a hole in his jeans, he keeps his head resting on the wall. He knew he couldn't get away with not explaining. Sapphire was his friend, and friends talked to each other. "I just had a run-in with some punk on the street today."

He sighs and shrugs again. "I was picking up trash. The cop I was with got a call - he trusted me to keep working so he went a ways away... had his back turned. Guy came up to me and started picking on me about what I was doing... making fun of me. At first I didn't care, ya know? I know why I have to do it, and I'm just lucky I'm not in jail."

Gage pauses, not liking the lingering anger in his gut. "I told him to leave me alone, and he kept at it. He was just looking for a fight. I don't know if he was on something or what. But he shoved me."

A thread snaps from the hole in his jeans his finger had been working on. "I just... I don't know... I got mad. I was trained to fight, ya know? There was a lot of stuff I didn't realize in the Agency, but one thing they made sure of was that if I ever got caught, I could get out of it. Combat and torture... that's what they wanted my specialty to be."

Stopping again, his eyes finally drift up to Sapphire's face. It was obvious that he didn't feel good about what had happened. "So... I shoved back. The guy's first strike I didn't see coming." He gestures to his lip. "After that though..." He sighs again. "...I did what I knew to do. That guy didn't stand a chance. I just... in my mind, I was the old me again, looking out for number one, and not caring about what happened to anybody else. He deserved to get knocked down so I did it. Next thing I knew, the cop was pulling me off the guy and ordering me to stand down. I came to my senses so I obeyed. The 0ther guy wasn't in great shape... bleeding everywhere, I think I broke his nose. Cop wanted to call for someone to take him to the ER to get cleaned up, but all the guy wanted to do was get out of there. I think he was scared of the police, to tell you the truth."

Looking back down again, Gage tries to sort through the disappointment in himself that was mixed with a bit of pride of putting someone else in his place. They were conflicting feelings.

"Thankfully, the cop had seen that I hadn't started it. And since the guy didn't want to go to the hospital, I got away with a stern warning was all."

Trying to find some comfort in the pretty, glowing tree, Gage looks at it. "I guess it felt good but I feel bad for feeling good." He cringes at how mixed up that sounded. "I don't like missing the control I used to have... I know it was wrong, the things I did, but... when they'd put me in a room with a victim, I was in charge. Even if I really didn't have the freedom I thought I did on the outside, in those moments, I was the one with the job to control the victim. Now... now everyone is in charge of me... all I get to do is say where to put decorations on a Christmas tree." He scoffs at himself. "And have pity parties... I'm sorry."


Ryder laughs and straightens to model his new "hat," prancing around to the front of the couch to flop down next to Thirteen. He was just as glad that so far, she didn't question where the money came from for all the things they could do and buy. Ryder kept very good track of everything that came in from Trent, and at any given time he could show where the money had been spent and how much was left.

"Mom and Pop's it is then. And you are looking at the worst bowler on the planet - but if you want to bowl, then bowl we shall."

Grinning, he takes the boxers off his head, tossing them on the pile of laundry. Leaning closer to Thirteen, he kisses her lips. "All I gotta do is get my shoes on and we're out of here. Worry about the laundry later."

Few days

Opening her eyes to the sun light that was lightly coming in the window Faith gives a stretch. After so many days of sitting, sleeping, and just sitting in that chair Faith had become pretty still.

Hearing Sparky's voice makes Faith's heart jump and looking at him a smile forms on her face. His color was back, his fever was down and he was just looking so much better. Giving a small shake of her head Faith's eyes give a twinkle.

"I wouldn't really call this an early morning visit. For the last few days this is where I have eat, sleep and just spent my time. Everyone was really worryed about you, even me."

Cocking her head a little bit Faith's eyes search Sparky's for a long moment. It was easy to tell she really had cared and been worried.

Looking up as Gunner comes into the office Dalton was a bit suprised. It wasn't often Gunner found his way here, not to mention ask for there help.

"Hey, whats up?"

Listening intently to the little bit of information Gunner was providing them Dalton sat back in his chair his hands behind his head. Just thinking for a long moment he weighs the good, and the bad trying to decide what his own answer was.

"Well, we are off the clock. We can always hear what Gunner has to say, and see whats its all about. But if it becomes to risky, we would have to back out."

Dalton's curiosity had been peeked and now he wanted to know what Gunner had to say. If there were going to help someone who needed it, than that was they could do.

Sitting in the corner of her room, that was more like a cell Bree was curled her legs close to her chest as she rocked back and forth slightly.

Over the last few days that she had been there, it almost felt like she never left pluse ten. Shock therapy, meds to dop her up, sitting in on meetings, being confined to her room, to being cuffed down. It was a nightmare Bree couldn't escape. Her body and mind were on the verge of shutting down just so she didn't have to feal the pain anymore.

Leaning back still curled up a few tears roll from Bree's eye as she just stairs off into the dark corner across the room. She missed JT, she missed the kids at the hospital and most of all she missed Gunner. Bree couldnt help but wonder if they even new where she was.

Jingling the keys and humming a toon Sapphire unlocks the front apartment door. She never bothered to knock anymore now that she had a key and she always called before she came over today had been no different.

"Gage, I hope your ready. I think my stomach is going to eat itself if I wait any longer."

Scanning the room her eyes fall to the Christmas tree and than to Gage sitting on the bed.

"Hey there, sorry I am a little late, I...."

Sapphire's words trail off as she looks at Gage's face and see his split lip. A worry runs though her. Coming a little closer Sapphire bends down to take a better look at Gage.

"What happend Gage? Are you ok?"

Thirteen can't help the laugh that escapes her lips as Ryder puts the sock over her ear. Taking a pare of his boxed Thirteen turns a little to put them on his head like a hat. Letting out another laugh and shaking her head.

"Mmmm...how about Mom and Pop's? I really do like there soup there."

Thinking again for a moment while folding some more things and separating Katies, Ryders and her own Thirteen is quiet before turning to look at Ryder again. Now that they both were working seeing each other ALL the time didnt happen and Thirteen had learned how to cherish what little time they did have.

"How about bowling? I saw it on tv and it looked fun."

A little extra

Jason chuckles and shakes his head. "I don't mind. Keep working in here and maybe we'll finally get to share an office yet."

Trooper had been brought in by Ryder, and he gives a groan as he stretches then wanders over to Katie, resting his head on the table beside her paperwork. Sniffing a little, he inches his head closer to her hand very nonchalantly before swiftly taking the pencil from her hand and looking at her as if daring her to take it from his slobbery mouth.

Jason grins. "Apparently, he wouldn't mind your company either."


Sparky lies there dumbly as Faith take the Bible from him. He really wasn't all that sure what he'd been trying to do anyway. It had seemed a good idea at the time... whatever it had been.

Shifting to lie on his side, he tucks one arm under his pillow, the other under the blanket, following orders though he felt oh, so hot. His eyes start to drift shut, but as Faith begins to read, his eyelids flutter and he watches her. The verses seemed to calm him and his breathing quiets as he listens to the words. His eyes kept trying to shut, but he would force them open again, just watching Faith as if were he to lose sight of her, the reading might stop.

Eventually, sleep would come, but it was a much deeper sleep, brought on by the raging fever. During the night, his temperature rises dangerously, requiring Angel's care as well as Faith's. Though opening his eyes and mumbling responses, he would not remember much about the next two days. While Jade was able to be up and about again, Sparky was far worse, enough so that the question of taking him to the hospital came up. Thankfully though, with patience and Angel's skill, he was stabilized, enough so that they continued his care in the bunkhouse. Sometime during the third night his fever finally broke.

The sun was just starting to rise, sending streams of dim light through the cracks in the blinds. Sparky stirs, feeling as though he'd been run over by a truck. From his back, he rolls onto his side, only to find himself in a mild but painful coughing fit. Once he regains control, he blinks, opening his eyes for the first time in a day. He didn't feel hot though and he knew immediately that he didn't have a fever.

Trying to regain a bit of his senses to figure out just where why and when he was, his eyes land on his bedside clock. The date was clearly shown and he's surprised to find out that several days have passed. All he knew was that he'd been sick. "Dang..." His voice is hoarse and raspy, and he looks around again, realizing that Faith was there as well. Why was she there, and how long had she been there? His eyes catch hers and he just studies her for several moments before speaking again. "And to what do I owe this early morning visit?"


Gunner hangs up his phone, giving a weary sigh. JT had still gotten nowhere. During the last several days, they had put together enough clues to figure out that the whole thing with Bree had to do with money that was supposed to go to her, but that's as far as they'd gotten. Every single avenue ended in a closed door. Even JT's lawyer friend couldn't get through as many layers as there were to find out the truth. And without the truth, there was no proof of foul play. And with no proof, there was no way to get Bree out of Crescentview.

It was getting late. Some people were heading home for the day. Gunner glances at the clock. He himself had done as much digging as he could, but JT had been right - Crescentview had tight security. Gunner couldn't get much farther than finding out how many people were employed there and that there were only a few short windows during a week that visitors were allowed - but even then, it was only to particular patients. He had respected JT's wishes to wait, be patient and do quiet research so as not to draw attention. But by now, Gunner could barely stand it any longer. He hadn't been able to dig up the information they wanted - he just wasn't good enough with that, with limited time and skill in that area.

Making up his mind, Gunner gets up and heads towards the hall. Making sure no one else was around, he slips into Scott and Dalton's office, glad they were still there. Leaning down on the desk, he stares both men in the eye. "I need your help."

Scott quirks an eyebrow and gives Dalton a sidelong glance before looking back at Gunner. "What's up?"

"I've got a friend in trouble... she's being held in a mental hospital and I need help getting her out."

Scott blinks. "Is this an Elite case? I haven't heard anything about-"

"No, it's not," Gunner states flatly. "It would probably be best if Reese didn't even know. If you two don't want that, then fine... but if you're willing to help quietly... I'll tell you what I need."

Scott purses his lips, thinking. He looks at Dalton again, then at the clock. It was just after five. "We're off the clock," he reasons. "What do you say?"


Gage's usually quiet walk is replaced by a forceful pace as he heads up to his apartment. He'd been trying so hard... he really had. Ever since he'd found out what kind of people the Agency really was, and ever since he'd realized the difference between right and wrong, he'd been trying to change. But sometimes... sometimes it was just too much.

Scowling as he unlocks his door, he shuts it behind him, using all the restraint he had not to slam it. Locking it again, he stands quietly for a moment, seething. Breaking out with a cry of frustration, he hurls his keys across his apartment, sending them smacking into the wall, creating a nick in the drywall.

Settling down a little, Gage wanders to his air mattress and sinks down, leaning back against the wall. Sapphire would be here any minute. They were going to go out and grab something for supper. And now he'd have to explain why he had a split lip. More than that, why he had blood on his shirt and it wasn't even his own blood. Maybe he'd just tell Sapphire that they would go eat tomorrow night instead.

Miserable, he glares at the Christmas tree in the corner. But looking at it, he remembered the fun he'd had with Sapphire... the stories she'd told him... the good feeling of creating something that looked nice. Eventually, he reaches down to the extension cord and plugs it in. The blue lights of the tree made the dark little apartment glow, the white star reflecting off the ceiling.

Gage sighs deeply and puts a hand to his tender lip. It hadn't been a bad enough hit to make another scar. But he'd been trained to fight... trained to torture. He might have had a sudden turn-around in his life after realizing who the Agency was, but he'd still been raised by them... taught by them. Everything he did and thought was influenced by their training. And today had been the first time he hadn't been able to resist it. Up until this point, he'd had no real opposition. He'd had no real reason to get upset or to fight. He'd been given a new chance and though living here wasn't the greatest, it was better than a sterile Agency room. But being provoked today, he just hadn't been strong enough to keep himself from doing what he did best. For the first time, his old self had come through, and he wasn't sure what to do with it.


Ryder flips through the mail, thumbing over some bills and junk mail. Seeing a handwritten envelope addressed to him, he pauses, throwing the rest of the stack on the table. The return address was Texas, and he recognized the writing.

Cocking his head, he peers into the living room to make sure Thirteen was still in there. They'd both had the day off and had been running errands all day. Now she was settled folding laundry at the couch and it was just as well that Ryder tore into the envelope while he was alone. There was a letter and a check, but it was more than expected this time.

Ryder,
Here's my check for the month. I wrote in a little extra this time for something special for Jasmine. Please make sure she has a nice Christmas.
-Trent

Ryder looks at the check and sighs a little. It was so obvious that Trent cared about his daughter, but he was too stubborn to tell her. Folding the check and slipping it into his back pocket, Ryder wandered into the living room, coming up behind the couch. Reaching down and over Thirteen's shoulder, he picks up a sock, draping it over her ear. "Hey, you."

He leans down closer so his face was next to hers. "We're gonna go have supper tonight wherever you want. Then afterward we're gonna do whatever you want to do. You name it."

Relaxed

Just wrapping his arms around Jade to hold her Dan felt so comfortable just laying there with her. It was nice to have someone by his side, just holding her made me feel warm.

"Human ones are the best kind. I guess the warm arm wraps help too."

Continuing to just hold Jade, this was where Dan would say. To make sure she was ok, and if she needed anything sh wouldn't have to go far. He didnt mind taking care of Jade, in fact he rather liked it.

Giving Jade a kiss on the top of the head Dan leans his head against the the wall closing his eyes. He was comfortable and relaxed, Staying like this forever he could get use to.

Sitting back down in the chair as Sparky seems to be resting Faith picks up her own book ready to pick up where she left off. But as Sparky sits up again and drops his bible on the ground Faith can't help but jump bringing a hand to her heart. She hadn't expected that and it scared the living tar out of her.

Just watching him for a moment while he fumbled and tried to read the book upside down Faith had to do her best not to give a giggle. It was kind of cute that Sparky was trying to read upside down, but she new he was sick and really it was no laughing matter.

Getting up and setting her book down once again Faith goes over to the bed and sits down. Giving a soft smile she takes the book from Sparky.

"Here, let me read it for you. James right?"

Turning the book the right was and flipping the pages Faith finds James. Not sure where Sparky is in the chapter Faith just starts at the beginning. Her voice was soft as she read but there was emotion in it with what she was reading.

Letting out a tired sigh Katie makes her way to her own cubicle. After everything had happened she felt drained again.

I understand what you mean! There is always going to be something to deal with I think. It's just kind of a part of our life now, even if it does suck sometimes.

Not really feeling comfortable at her cubicle Katie gathers some of her waiting paper work together. Standing and heading across the floor to Jason's office. Giving a soft knock on the door she new she didn't need to but wanted to anyways. Hearing Jason answer she enters shutting the door softly behind her.

Taking one of Jason's overstuffed chairs Katie pulls it up to one of the tables by the wall and puts her paperwork down before pulling out her pen and starting to circle a few things. Looking up as if forgetting that Jason didnt know what she was doing Katie turns and gives him a grin.

"I didn't really feel like being alone. I hope you dont mind!"

Argument

Even though she felt physically terrible, having Dan next to her still made her smile. Closing her eyes, she lets out a sigh, then leans her head over to rest it on his shoulder. Her comment made her giggle. "Liar. I look terrible."

Pulling the blanket up a bit more, she knows Dan gets to stay a while since he took his boots off. Wriggling down a little further so her head could lean against his chest, her one arm wraps around him as she snuggles in close. Her head was throbbing, but she couldn't be more comfortable than this. The beat of his heart and the gentle up and down of his breathing was like a lullaby, beckoning her back to sleep. "Living pillows are nice," she teases groggily.


Sparky's head hurts so bad he doesn't even want to open his eyes at all, but he pries them open anyway to see Faith and watch her as she comes near to pull the blankets up. His words were a bit slurred and someone might have trouble knowing if he was in a lucid moment or not. "You'd... make a good nurse for... for Angel," he mumbles, half into the mattress.

To the suggestion of food and drink, he shakes his head a little. He didn't feel like eating anything. All he felt like doing was sleeping, but even that was hard as achy and hot as he was. Coughing, he winces as it causes pain in his chest. Whatever this bug was, it was nasty and it had taken over very quickly. He knew that even once his fever broke, he'd be miserable for a while.

Still coughing, he manages to roll onto his side and reach for the glass of water on the bedside table. Then sinking back down again, he grimaces, trying not to complain, but it was hard. A chill comes over him and now he's glad for the blanket as he shivers, though still feeling hot as he sweats.

With the room going in circles again, everything looked a bit funny. The colors didn't seem right... and he was pretty sure that it wasn't lightning outside... or was it snow? Either way, things were very strange.

Seeming to fall back asleep again, his body rests until suddenly his eyes are open again. Out of nowhere, he reaches for the table once more, but this time, he tugs at his leather Bible. It falls to the floor with a thud and he looks over the edge of his bed, reaching down to flip the pages. He didn't realize that it was upside down, and was having quite the time trying to find what he was looking for. "I was in James," he mumbles, squinting at the blurry, upside down type. "But I suddenly seem..." He coughs, interrupting himself. "...to not be able to read."


Rick shakes his head slowly. "You're right, Katie... they didn't brand you." He takes Jason's hand, flipping it palm-side up to reveal the burn pattern that was becoming a permanent scar. "I believe that on a normal daily basis, the flow between you two doesn't have a pattern or come from one source - if it did, it would be easier for outside interference. However... Jason, I think that when you purposely force out your emotions, that it comes in that pattern every time. I think it did from the beginning, we just couldn't tell."

Jason furrows his brow. "So when Katie and I held hands... and there was so much force... it actually burned my hand, and in turn, burned hers too."

"Precisely." He looks back to the computer. "Dalton, back it up to the beginning, would you?" Once the footage was in play again, Rick points to where Jason had been standing. "Look." On the screen, Jason's hand twitches right before the glass explodes.

Jason quirks an eyebrow. "I don't remember doing that."

"I think you do it every time," Rick concludes. "I think that if we would have caught every instance on tape, we'd see that each time, you move your palm towards the target. It's so fast and slight though, that you don't even realize that you're doing it. And... I think Katie does the same thing when she draws emotions. It's just not obvious."

"What if it was? What if I were to purposely aim at an object?"

"I'd say we would need more than safety glasses." Rick purses his lips. "If you two want to experiment, be my guest. But take my advice and do it out in some open field somewhere."

The whole time, Scott has been looking at the screen too, his interest piqued. The whole thing was amazing, and he looks up out of the corner of his eye at Katie for a moment. This thing never ended with her and Jason. It was constantly evolving and they were constantly learning new things about it. Would there ever be an end? "At least... it wasn't done on purpose then," he reasons.

"That's a good thing," Rick agrees. "We know that all the Agency did was amplify the emotional state with whatever formula they have. However.... whether they realize it or not, you have been branded. Whenever you go undercover or need to conceal your identity, you will have to rely on bandages or gloves, and a good cover story."

Jason nods, slowly letting out a deep breath. "Alright... now what?"

Rick shrugs. "You two are free to go. I want you back in the infirmary tomorrow for checkups, but... otherwise, just take it easy for a few days. If you have any more ideas or epiphanies, come and see me."

Once they all split up again, Jason wanders to his office where he hadn't been in almost two weeks. Easing down in his chair, he puts his head in his hands.

I don't want to complain... and I don't want to take it away but... it sure would be nice to not have to deal with this for once.


"Where are we going?"

"My place."

"But you said you know where she is."

"I said I think I do." JT keeps his eyes on the road, his jaw muscles tightening with every second as the tension runs high.

"Then why aren't we going there?!" Gunner didn't understand and his frustration was growing.

"Because we can't just barge in there," JT answers firmly. "I'm going to go home and call Crescentview and see if Bree was checked in there. If she was, we have a place to start."

"Why can't I call TJY? We'll have those guys in ten seconds flat."

"Just cool it, Gunner!" JT waves a hand at him. "Let me think!"

Gunner falls silent, still rubbing the back of his sore head.
Where are you, Bree? Don't let them win. God, why did this have to happen?

Twenty minutes later, Gunner paces the kitchen like a caged tiger while JT was on the phone. Walking back and forth and back and forth, he holds an icepack to the back of his head, half listening to the one-sided conversation JT was having on the phone at the table.

"All I want to know is if Bree Conner was checked in today." JT's voice was strained as he tries to stay calm. "I know you can't give me any information about patient's conditions - I'm a doctor and I happen to know all about privacy laws. But what I do not know is if Bree Conner was brought in today. Would you please check for me?"

His fist clenches as he keeps from losing his temper. "My name is Doctor Jack Timble. Yes. Thank you." Being put on hold, he sighs and runs a hand through his hair. Part of him wanted to know that Bree was there so they would know what they were dealing with, and part of him wanted to find out that she was not. A voice comes back on the line and he pays attention again. "Yes, I'm still here. What?" He blinks in amazement. "You've got to be kidding me. No, no, wait... I just..... don't...." Hearing the click on the end of the line, he growls and slams the phone down. "Gah!"

Gunner quickly joins him. "What happened? Is she there?"

"They wouldn't tell me." JT looks up at him, his eyes narrowed with anger. "Apparently they have my name on file and are not to hand out any information to me whatsoever."

"What?"

"That's our answer though." JT shakes his head. "If they've got me pegged, there's only one reason."

"Because they've got Bree."

"Bingo."

"Now what?"

"We make some more calls."

"Oh, come on!" Gunner shoves a chair in anger. "Quit making calls and lets go get her!"

"We can't do that, Gunner!" JT stands up, slamming his palm on the table. "This is going to take legal strategy, not storming the gates!"

"They used brute force!" Gunner raises his voice in anger. "They played it dirty and you know it. I say we go in and play dirty right back at them!"

"And do what?! Wind up in jail?"

"I'm Elite, dang it!" Gunner holds up his badge. "I can get in where you can't!"

"They won't let you in!"

"I'll get a warrant!"

"They won't let you! Don't you hear me?!" JT shouts his question, trying to get through to him. "Bree's father has control everywhere! No matter the price, they've got it. I don't know why this is happening again, but I can guarantee that we can't just waltz in there and take her back out again. It just doesn't work that way!"

"Then we make it work that way!" Gunner's eyes blaze. "I can't just sit here while you make your phonecalls, knowing that she's in that place getting tortured! It isn't right!"

"I know it isn't right!" JT is one step from giving Gunner a shove, but he withholds physical force despite his anger. "She's my niece, Gunner! You think I don't care?! I want to barge in there now as much as you do, but I know good and well that it just isn't going to work! Crescentview isn't like Northside! They got guards there... armed guards. If they've got me pegged, I won't even be able to get past the first gate. You may be able to get into the front building, but I'd bet my life savings that they'll know you too and you'll leave there with no more information than when you came. Put up a fight and they'll have you behind bars so fast your head will swim, whether you're Elite or not." He pauses, panting from his spiel. "We have to go through quiet legal channels with this one. It's the only way we're going to win."

"But..." Gunner's shoulder's drop, the reality of JT's words starting to sink in. "That could take days."

"It could take weeks," JT confirms grimly. "But if we make one wrong step, we could lose this before it even starts. Who we are matters nothing to people like this. My brother-in-law has connections everywhere... and I mean everywhere. We've got to watch our step and play this smart."

Gunner sinks down into a chair and puts his head in his hands, his temper calming down. "What do we do?"

"I'm calling an old lawyer friend of mine. I have a few other contacts that may be able to help me figure out why this happened. We have to understand what the reason is here. I'm sure it has something to do with money, but I don't know what. Once we figure that out, we'll have something to go on."

"And me?"

"Get the lowdown on Crescentview. Figure out everything from who's not allowed to have contact with Bree, to when they have the electric meter checked. Anything and everything."

"That's gonna take some time."

"I know. But you got the resources."

"Reese would have a fit if he knew I was working on something like that."

JT quirks an eyebrow. "Who said he needs to know?"

How Long?

Just sitting with Jade for most of the day Dan didn't mind. He had left once or twice but only for a short while to get his work done, and than come back. He liked keeping an eyes on Jade and be there if she needed anything.

Placing a fresh cloth on her neck he runs a hand down the side of her face, and along her jaw bone. Just cradling her face for a long moment as he looked into her eyes. Even as sick as she was they held so much life and energy in them.

"Even in your worst, your beautiful."

Letting his hand fall from her face Dan leans back a little to rest his back against the same wall Jade was leaning against. Kicking off his work boots so he too could bring his feet up on the bed. Staying silent for a moment before letting out a small chuckle.

"I miss having your help, but its ok. You get better and than you can again."

Giving a smile to Sparky Faith had hardly left his side. Even with Annie's prompting earlier to at least get out and some fresh air. Faith didnt know why she didnt want to leave Sparky's side, and the only time she did was when Angel was around but it just felt right to be here and help him.

Looking over at Sparky from the chair that was buy the bed Faith puts her book down for a moment. Giving a smile she new the risk she ran but there she was anyways.

"I guess that's a risk I am willing to take."

Standing Faith takes the blankets Sparky had kicked off and pulling them up over him once again. Tucking them snug around him.

"Sparky, I know your hot but you have to keep the blankets on ok? It will help break your fever that's what Angel said. There is more Ginger Ale and Crackers on the night stand here, if you think your stomach can handle it ok."

Stopping, playing, slowing down, slower, speeding up, still frame. It was easy for Dalton to do with Rick's direction on what he wanted done. Now starring at the image thats really all he can do. What he was seeing seemed unreal, even knowing about Jason and Katie's powers. They came out in a pattern?

Looking at the screen Katie's jaw almost felt like it wanted to drop just a little. It was the same pattern as on there hands. It was creepy to say the least.

Wow...

Katie wasn't sure what else to say. It was right there, in there faces and yet it seemed so unreal. When Jason pushed out his emotion there was actually something there. Kaite felt like something else needed to be said, but she didnt know what. Only one thing could pop into her mind.

"Well, I guess they didn't brand us."

As pills were trying to be administered Bree fought it. She didnt want to take them, not again. Today was the first shock treatment and she had made it through ok as she tried to take her mind to a better place. But how long could she with stand it?

Continuing to refuse the drug Bree kicked and screamed. She no it did no use, but it was a panic thing that was hard to control. Even if she was calm, she new that still everything they were doing would continue to happen.

Finally the Dr's give up the fight of forcing her to take the pills. Bringing a syringe instead to inject her. Feeling the cool liquid run through her vein's Bree does her best to keep her one grasp of hope locked in her mind. Seeing Gunner's face she tried to let her body fall into the place he was as her eyes already started to grow tired.

Worry for a nurse

Jade mumbles something close to an "uh-huh," not minding a bit that Dan was telling her to rest more. She just felt so tired. Eventually she sleeps again, waking to another cold cloth, then later around lunch time to a cup of hot tea.

Managing to pull herself up so she can sit in bed, Jade pulls the covers up close, still feeling very hot. Her temperature was down just as little, and Angel had been in to check on her once, but it was obvious now that she'd be down for a day or two. She felt a little more alert now though - enough to realize that she must look a mess.

Sipping the hot tea that Dan had made, she gives him a rueful grin. "Well..." Her voice comes out hoarse and scratchy. "I guess you've seen me at my worst now."

She closes her eyes and leans her head back against the wall. "I miss being in the barn with you."


While it was apparent that Jade would be fine after a few days rest, on the other side of the ranch, Sparky had been attacked much more severely. Instead of his fever going down, it only rose, bringing him in and out of hallucinations and bizarre dreams.

Mid-afternoon, he's already had several visits from Angel, continuing to check on him. During the morning, he'd managed to get down half a cup of tea that Faith had made, but after that, he'd been too exhausted for more. He couldn't remember a time he'd felt this sick - it had been years.

Writhing in bed, Sparky kicks off his blankets for the fifth time, rolling onto his stomach, one arm hanging off the bed as his body tries to cool down. His breathing was shallow and a cough was starting - the first sign of the trouble to come. He desperately wanted to get up... to get some fresh air and get out of bed. But pushing himself up, he just flops back down again, too shaky to try anything. He shivers, even though he feels hot as sweat soaks his hair.

Managing to open his eyes just a little, he sees Faith still with him. It barely registers that she'd been there, in and out all day watching over him. "You're... gonna.... gonna catch it too," he mumbles.


Scott grins at Dalton's teasing, and simply returns to his own work, only to look over a few minutes later to see what everyone else was looking at.

Rick stares over Dalton's shoulder at the footage and he points. "There... zoom into the glass... a little more... little more... right there." He stops, still watching. "Now slow it down another notch... a bit more...." He watches the frames go slowly by until he points again. "Pause it. Right there."

As the video stops, all viewers stare at the scene. Jason blinks, shocked by what he saw. Rick was not surprised. Scott cocks his head, intrigued.

Jason holds up his hand and looks at the mark on his palm, then looks back to the screen.

Holy cow...

The paused frame shows the glass just as it's beginning to burst. But it's not shattering from a central location as might be expected. Happening in real time, one's eyes could only see it burst and would assume that it was like a bomb exploding - that it would shatter from a central location. But this footage clearly showed the point of impact. The glass had begun to shatter in the exact spiral pattern as was on Jason and Katie's palms. The point of origin for the explosion was not a single point, but a pattern that shattered the object so quickly it deceived the eye.


The sound of the brush against the horse's coat is soothing, along with the soft feeling under Mick's fingertips. He missed his own barn, but at least helping the McClains in theirs kept him busy and gave him something worthwhile to do.

The mare turns her head to look back at Mick, almost as if asking what was on his mind. He grins as little and pats her neck. "I always could communicate with horses better than people," he muses aloud.

Continuing to groom the horse, work goes on around him. There were ranch hands, there were clients and there were families of clients. Really, it wasn't all that busy, but from this spot in the barn, one had a pretty good idea of what all was going on during the day. At one particularly quiet moment, Mick spotted Dylan not far away, wandering aimlessly into the barn. His hands were stuffed in his pockets and his feet scuffed the ground as he walked. His shoulders were dropped and his head was low - it was not the picture of someone who was happy to be there, let alone happy with life in general.

Mick waits until his son is closer before speaking. After their one encounter while Dylan was going through withdrawal, they had not had any interaction. He keeps his eyes on the horse as he continues to brush her. "I could use a hand if you want to grab a brush," he mentions.

Dylan looks up and scoffs. "I hate horses."

That shouldn't have hurt, but it did just as bit. Mick knew Dylan didn't have to be interested in everything he was, but horses had always been his life. To know his son hated the animals just seemed to put a wider distance between them. "Are you scared of them?"

"I'm not scared of nothin'."

"Everybody's scared of something."

"Yeah?" Dylan looks at Mick with defiance. "What are you scared of?"

Mick pauses his work and finally glances in Dylan's direction. "Losing my family."

Dylan's eyes narrow. "Then I guess maybe you shoulda stuck around, huh?"

Mick wants to fire back with a retort, but he holds his tongue. Today was not a good day for his cravings, but he manages to keep his temper. He had to. "Just because something is my own fault doesn't mean I can't be scared of it anyway."

Dylan smirks a little and leans back against the wall, falling silent. He didn't want to be here. He hated it here. He wanted to go home. At the very least, he wanted to stay in his room here, but Adam had brought him outside for "fresh air." In a horse barn? He had to be kidding.

Mick watches his son out of the corner of his eye. He could see the young man's mind working and dwelling on the negative, and it pained him to see it. Why couldn't he get through to him? Why couldn't he help fix this? "Dylan..." He knew better than to ask, but for some reason, he wanted to. "...you keep talking about me not sticking around. Now I know we've had several encounters over the last year and I've tried getting to know you... but what do you really know about when I left? What have you been told?"

Dylan shifts his weight uncomfortably. He'd been very young, but he still remembered the day Daddy said goodbye. He hadn't understood it then, but he'd been told plenty later on. Why Mick was asking him now, he didn't know, but he really didn't care. At least it was passing the time. "You cheated on Mom and left us," he states flatly.

The pain was enormous, and Mick pauses his brushing, leaning on the mare's back. He kept his eyes busy with cleaning out the brush in his hand. "Did you know that I never cheated? That it was all a trick to get your mother to divorce me?"

"I don't care. From my perspective, the only proof is the pictures. And you did leave. That's a fact. And you never came around again. That's another fact."

"I left because your mother forced me out. As far as visiting, your mother also made sure that I had no rights to see you kids."

"After you blew up in court."

Mick's shoulders drop. "You know all the negatives, don't you?"

Dylan's expression grows just a little sly. "Yep. Stinks, doesn't it?"

Mick turns to face him, exasperation in his eyes. "Did you ever think that there was some positive? Did you ever think that everything you've been told may not all be true? That maybe I did love my children? That maybe I spent years running from my old life just to try and get the pain to stop? In the end, the choice is yours on what to believe. But let me tell you something... I have never stopped loving my family, and that includes you. Had I been allowed, I would have spent every free moment with you and Jade. If I have one regret, it's not letting myself be framed... it's not choosing to move on. It's the fact that I gave up. I was afraid of being arrested if I tried to see you, and I gave up."

Moisture appears in his eyes. "And you know what? One of my greatest blessings is the opportunity to be with you and Jade now. You're both finally old enough that I don't have to be afraid of speaking with you... and your mother allows it, even if it's not her preference."

"Well, I hate it," Dylan retorts.

"Tough!" Mick throws up his hands, startling the mare. "It doesn't matter if you hate my guts. I love you, and I'm not going to pretend I don't." He knew that most of the stories and negativity were being fed to Dylan through Jill's mother and not Jill herself, but no matter, it was obvious that it had all been ingrained into Dylan's head for so long that nothing was getting through to him. "The fact is, Dylan, that there is truth and lies in this world. It doesn't matter what you believe - those truths will always exist. You can stare at a white piece of paper and believe with all your heart that it's purple, but in the end, the truth is that it's white. People will tell you that you can believe whatever you want in life, and what you believe makes it true for you. But it just doesn't work that way. People have created that myth so that they won't feel guilty about believing things that aren't true, or so they have an excuse to choose other religions over God. They don't want to feel the pain of knowing the truth, so they avoid it and say it doesn't exist until they actually believe it. But it doesn't matter. Because truth is truth no matter what. And the truth here, Dylan, is that I did not cheat on your mother. It was not my choice to leave my family. And I love you and Jade."

Dylan could feel the desire to believe rising up within him. He wanted to believe he was loved. He wanted to believe that all these years he hadn't really been tossed aside. But there was so much anger built up in him, that to break it would take more than a single conversation. Spinning on his heel, he walks out.

Mick heaves a sigh and shakes his head wearily. He never should have started that conversation.

"You did a good job."

Mick whirls around to see Adam. "How long have you been there?"

"Long enough." Adam comes and scratches the mare's neck. "I think I saw a crack form in Dylan. You did a good job at staying calm but giving him what he needs to know."

"I sure didn't see a crack," Mick counters. "All I see is someone who will never believe me and who will always hate me."

"God parted the Red Sea, Mick... you don't think he can soften the heart of one teenager?"

Mick can't help a dry laugh. "Yeah... you got me there."

Adam smiles. "It'll work out. You'll see. It's just going to take time."

"How long will he be here?"

"Oh..." Adam thinks. "Another week or so. Brenda's been keeping a close eye on him, and he's really doing quite well away from the drugs. He's not as nervous and he's not complaining as much about wanting a fix. Physically, his body is beginning to settle down and adjust to not having the drugs."

"His attitude still stinks."

"It does. But we can't keep someone here just because they have a bad attitude. You know that. Once we believe that he's not a risk to himself or to going back to drugs, we have to release him."

"But he still might go back to the drugs."

"He might. You went back to drinking." Adam eyes Mick. "But if we went around thinking that about everybody, we'd have one full ranch here by now. We've got to let Dylan go when he completes the program."

Mick sighs again. "What if he didn't go home?"

Adam shrugs. "It would be best if he could find himself before going home - he wouldn't he as great of a risk then. What do you have in mind?"

"My ranch." Mick cringes a little. "I know he doesn't want anything to do with me but... there are good people there... my brothers and Rosetta, and Dylan's cousins... it's a good atmosphere if he'd just stay."

"Well, he's only sixteen. You might be able to force it if your ex-wife would go along with it."

"That might be harder than convincing Dylan himself."

"Maybe. But it might be worth a try. Do you think Rosetta would go along with it?"

Mick nods. "I think she'd be okay, but I don't want to talk to Jill about it until I've talked to Rosetta. If she doesn't want Dylan around BJ the way his is or something, then I'm not going to push it."