Going around to the other side of her desk and sitting down Misty thought for a long moment and let out another sigh. He Uncle was a hard one to figure out for sure.
"Honestly...I can't think of anything other than being able to finally bring down the Underground people. That alone might be enough. I think it's more the FBI we have to try and convince though."
Leaning back she thought for a long second before shaking her head.
"And with that...I don't even know where to start."
Hearing Eli's plan Ryan thought for a long moment. Entering a novice race with Thunder did seem like a good idea, and it would give one of the newbies a chance to really shine, not to mention hurt Thunder's pride a great deal.
"Ya know that's really not a bad idea."
Just letting the wheels turn Ryan continued to think for a long moment taking a sip of her drink that was brought. Hearing Zan Ryan raised an eyebrow.
"No bribes, but with an attitude like that, you won't ever beat us. You gotta be positive, and keep working to become better. From what I have seen you are a pretty good driver. On a more positive note though...My boss at the shop wants you to come in for an interview."
Entering mom and pop's Destiny's stomach growled. She'd been out and about when her stomach growled for a slice so she stopped. Looking around and seeing Zan over at a table with some friends She smiled. She didn't want to bother him, but at the same time she didn't want to not say anything and have him see her an think she was ignoring him.
Walking over to the table she offered a friendly smile. She recognized Eli from the night at the race but wasn't sure about the other too.
"Zan? Hi! I swear I am not following you. I just happened to stop for some pizza. I won't keep you from your friends but I wasn't to at least say hi since I saw you."
Looking up at the knock on the door Sam took her feet off the desk and sat up a little bit. Thinking for a moment about Reese's question Sam went over the footage from the breakroom in her head and smiled again thinking about how Aaron put the napkins in front of the cam. He was too smart for their own good, for sure.
"Aaron told me the microwave shorted and I believe him. At this moment I really have no reason not too. He really didn't seem upset when I talked to him either. He's good, I think if he was trying to pull something, he would have found a better way then blowing up a microwave and burning himself. "
May 12, 2017
Bribes
Justin nodded again. He knew Misty's expertise revolved around medical issues, not psychological ones, but he also knew she cared and wanted to make sure Chance was taken care of and not just left to rot in a prison cell. "I'll definitely do my best to keep you in the loop if I'm allowed to continue working with him like I want. As for using Destiny... that might actually work. I have no idea if Destiny would ever take him back after all this, but... he can't let go of her, and he'd do anything at this point to please her."
He paused as he thought about all his options. "Maybe if he thought she'd want him to do all he could to help the Elite and not the Underground, he'd be more willing to talk."
He pushed off the counter, preparing to leave so Misty could get back to work. There was still one very big hurdle though. "Now to convince your uncle to bargain with Chance. Intel for no prison. Any tips on that one?"
As Ryan openly displayed her affection for Hunter, Zan kept his grin to himself. He saw Eli roll his eyes, which made it all the more amusing to him.
Under the table, Hunter hooked his ankle around Ryan's, giving it a little tug. He gave her a sidelong glance and a wink before settling back, putting his arm around the back of her chair so she could sit in even closer.
Eli nodded at her question. "Mm, sort of. We need to figure out -" He left his sentence hanging as Thirteen came over to take their order. After requesting a couple pizzas, he resumed. "Our goal is to knock Thunder out of the race - or basically just make sure he loses. It doesn't matter who else wins at this point."
"Why not Ryan?" Hunter suggested. "It could serve as her comeback."
Eli shook his head. "Then people will think she won just because you two held back Thunder. Not that it really matters but I care about her reputation too." He gave his sister a little smile. He really was proud of her racing skills. "What if none of you won? What if you entered a novice race?"
Hunter's eyebrows rose. "We can't do that. Then we'd be no better than Thunder."
"No... you enter only after Thunder does. Force him to the back of the pack, and guess what? He'll lose to a novice driver."
Zan grinned. "I like the sound of that. Besides, I think I belong back in the novice races anyway."
"You do not," Hunter chided. "You've just had a bad streak."
"Yeah... named Hunter and Thunder... and soon to be Ryan again." Though just a bit frustrated, Zan threw Ryan a crooked smile. "You don't take bribes do you?"
The afternoon wore on, and Aaron remained in his room. Even though he was itching to walk, he stayed on his bed most of the day, knowing he'd probably just get into more trouble if he wandered the hall. He'd just have to hump around tonight when the floor would be empty.
At the security room, there was a knock at the door. Reese poked his head around the corner before coming inside and taking one of the chairs. He looked at Sam with quiet seriousness. "Okay. I've got one side of the story. I know you were gone when we had the little fiasco in the break room, but did Aaron tell you what happened? I just want to hear from you whether you really think it was an accident or I'd Aaron was trying to pull something."
He paused as he thought about all his options. "Maybe if he thought she'd want him to do all he could to help the Elite and not the Underground, he'd be more willing to talk."
He pushed off the counter, preparing to leave so Misty could get back to work. There was still one very big hurdle though. "Now to convince your uncle to bargain with Chance. Intel for no prison. Any tips on that one?"
As Ryan openly displayed her affection for Hunter, Zan kept his grin to himself. He saw Eli roll his eyes, which made it all the more amusing to him.
Under the table, Hunter hooked his ankle around Ryan's, giving it a little tug. He gave her a sidelong glance and a wink before settling back, putting his arm around the back of her chair so she could sit in even closer.
Eli nodded at her question. "Mm, sort of. We need to figure out -" He left his sentence hanging as Thirteen came over to take their order. After requesting a couple pizzas, he resumed. "Our goal is to knock Thunder out of the race - or basically just make sure he loses. It doesn't matter who else wins at this point."
"Why not Ryan?" Hunter suggested. "It could serve as her comeback."
Eli shook his head. "Then people will think she won just because you two held back Thunder. Not that it really matters but I care about her reputation too." He gave his sister a little smile. He really was proud of her racing skills. "What if none of you won? What if you entered a novice race?"
Hunter's eyebrows rose. "We can't do that. Then we'd be no better than Thunder."
"No... you enter only after Thunder does. Force him to the back of the pack, and guess what? He'll lose to a novice driver."
Zan grinned. "I like the sound of that. Besides, I think I belong back in the novice races anyway."
"You do not," Hunter chided. "You've just had a bad streak."
"Yeah... named Hunter and Thunder... and soon to be Ryan again." Though just a bit frustrated, Zan threw Ryan a crooked smile. "You don't take bribes do you?"
The afternoon wore on, and Aaron remained in his room. Even though he was itching to walk, he stayed on his bed most of the day, knowing he'd probably just get into more trouble if he wandered the hall. He'd just have to hump around tonight when the floor would be empty.
At the security room, there was a knock at the door. Reese poked his head around the corner before coming inside and taking one of the chairs. He looked at Sam with quiet seriousness. "Okay. I've got one side of the story. I know you were gone when we had the little fiasco in the break room, but did Aaron tell you what happened? I just want to hear from you whether you really think it was an accident or I'd Aaron was trying to pull something."
Try
Looking back at Chance Misty nodded just watching him for a long moment. This was such a hard situation for everyone, and she did hate it. Deciding what was right, what was good and what wasn't. It really wasn't an easy task.
"I'd like to stay being able to check on him as well, and get updates on his care if I could too."
Little out a sigh and glancing back at Justin her eyes showed worry. Worry for so many things that really they had no control over. Any day could be the day when the FBI said enough was enough and took Chance away. Maybe keeping him in a hospital was the best thing.
"I don't know if it would or not, but it couldn't hurt to see if you could get him to tell all. I know its not something we wanted to do, but maybe if we told him it's what Destiny would want him to do, he would."
The car ride to Mom and Pop's was nice and Ryan held Hunter's hand the whole way. Getting out and inside she waved to Zan and Eli before sitting down scooting as close as she could to Hunter. If the other two didn't like it oh well, tonight was date night and they were cramping her style.
"You pick, I'm just starving, so much I think my stomach has started eating itself."
Looking at Hunter and grinning Ryan leaned in and gave him a small kiss before looking around at the others. She never thought she would be sitting here like this was she was happy she was. This was nice just...hanging out with some other people and Hunter too.
"So Eli you got a game plan on what's going down?"
Sam smiled. She still felt bad that had happened to Aaron but there was very little she could do and if he wasn't hungry anymore she wasn't going to force him to eat.
"Alright, I'll bring you some cream for that burn, when I bring you, your dinner. Just hold tight till then ok?"
Sam stood and left the room again leaving the door open and unlocked like she had before. There was no reason for it to be closed and locked no matter what anyone else thought. Aaron was in her care, and this was part of what she was doing. She had to trust him.
Going back to the security room Sam sat down and started looking over the cameras trying to keep her mind off everything that happened while she was gone so she could cool down.
Go Crazy
Aaron thought a moment, then just shrugged. Even though he had genuinely laughed at what had happened, there was also a part of him that was unnerved and frustrated. It was bad enough no one really trusted him - although it wasn't like he was really a good guy here - but then to have a gun pointed at him because a microwave malfunctioned took the cake.
"Guess I sorta last my appetite," he admitted. "And you got better things to do. I'll be fine til supper." He absentmindedly turned his arm to look at his burn again. It really wasn't that bad but it did hurt.
Looking back at Sam, he gave her a crooked grin. "Thanks, though. I'm fine. Really." He could tell she was upset, and appreciated that, but there was no point in making this whole thing worse. "I'll just... be more careful about using the break room when you're not around."
"Mmm..." Hunter returned her kiss, his eyes sparkling. "I hate to break it to ya, but if you want purely platonic, you've come to the wrong guy."
He grinned at her comment before pulling away from the curb. "I'm only special 'cause I got you around." He gave her a sidelong glance before reaching over with one hand and giving her leg a pat. "Missed ya today. Zan's car is about ready, though. I told 'em it was a date night but Eli and Zan are getting antsy to form a plan.
It didn't take long to get to Mom and Pop's. Zan and Eli were already there and had claimed a table off to the side. Both had drinks but were waiting to order pizza. "Hey!" Eli waved them over. "We were starting to think we'd have to eat without you guys."
Hunter smirked and pulled out a chair to sit. "You just like being rude."
"Ah, not rude. When hungry, a man cannot be blamed for being rude. It is the hunger's doing."
Zan snickered and glanced at a menu. "I like just about anything, so order whatever."
"Anything, he says." Hunter elbowed Ryan. "Let's go crazy." It was kind of strange to be sitting here together - three racing rivals sharing a meal and carrying on as friends. And yet, it was also rather fun.
Justin nodded quickly at Misty. "Oh yeah. I definitely want to be involved, and I highly doubt Reese would have it any other way, anyway. Whether we like it or not, because of Chance's actions, he's still technically in the Elite's custody. The hard part is finding a place for him. I like Brookshire the best - I think it has the best care in this part of the state. But two hours is a long ways away. Northside wouldn't be bad as long as we kept an eye on things. I don't always care for their methods, but as long as I was involved it shouldn't be bad."
He looked back over at Chance and sighed. "Thing is... unstable or not, the Elite - and FBI - want answers. I wonder if I could convince Chance to give up everything - all he has on the Underground. Do you think that would be enough to convince them to keep him out of prison?"
"Guess I sorta last my appetite," he admitted. "And you got better things to do. I'll be fine til supper." He absentmindedly turned his arm to look at his burn again. It really wasn't that bad but it did hurt.
Looking back at Sam, he gave her a crooked grin. "Thanks, though. I'm fine. Really." He could tell she was upset, and appreciated that, but there was no point in making this whole thing worse. "I'll just... be more careful about using the break room when you're not around."
"Mmm..." Hunter returned her kiss, his eyes sparkling. "I hate to break it to ya, but if you want purely platonic, you've come to the wrong guy."
He grinned at her comment before pulling away from the curb. "I'm only special 'cause I got you around." He gave her a sidelong glance before reaching over with one hand and giving her leg a pat. "Missed ya today. Zan's car is about ready, though. I told 'em it was a date night but Eli and Zan are getting antsy to form a plan.
It didn't take long to get to Mom and Pop's. Zan and Eli were already there and had claimed a table off to the side. Both had drinks but were waiting to order pizza. "Hey!" Eli waved them over. "We were starting to think we'd have to eat without you guys."
Hunter smirked and pulled out a chair to sit. "You just like being rude."
"Ah, not rude. When hungry, a man cannot be blamed for being rude. It is the hunger's doing."
Zan snickered and glanced at a menu. "I like just about anything, so order whatever."
"Anything, he says." Hunter elbowed Ryan. "Let's go crazy." It was kind of strange to be sitting here together - three racing rivals sharing a meal and carrying on as friends. And yet, it was also rather fun.
Justin nodded quickly at Misty. "Oh yeah. I definitely want to be involved, and I highly doubt Reese would have it any other way, anyway. Whether we like it or not, because of Chance's actions, he's still technically in the Elite's custody. The hard part is finding a place for him. I like Brookshire the best - I think it has the best care in this part of the state. But two hours is a long ways away. Northside wouldn't be bad as long as we kept an eye on things. I don't always care for their methods, but as long as I was involved it shouldn't be bad."
He looked back over at Chance and sighed. "Thing is... unstable or not, the Elite - and FBI - want answers. I wonder if I could convince Chance to give up everything - all he has on the Underground. Do you think that would be enough to convince them to keep him out of prison?"
Grab Something
Seeing Aaron start to laugh Sam was a little surprised. She thought for sure he would be more upset and she wasn't sure if that was a good thing or a bad thing. His smile was nice though, and seeing the humor in his eyes was a nice change too.
"I kind of wish I could have seen the look on their faces too. If it means anything, I believe you."
Leaning back in her chair and letting out a long sigh as she just listened to Aaron she gave a nod. She believed him. Maybe it wasn't smart but she didn't believe he wasn't trying to do anything.
"Since you haven't eaten anything, want me to grab something for you?"
Seeing Hunter pull up and standing Ryan grinned as he honked the horn and shouted. About to shout back Ryan stopped hearing someone a few house down yell about it being late and people trying to sleep. Raising an eyebrow and turning to where the shout came from Ryan yelled back.
"It's six thirty at night who sleeps this early? Get a life would ya."
Turning back to Hunter Ryan grinned before getting into the car. Leaning over and giving him a kiss her eyes twinkled. Pulling away she laughed and shook her head.
"I don't just yell at anyone for anyone you know. You must be pretty special."
Misty listened to Justin and gave a nod. It was a hard position for them to be in. Everyone was pulling Chance in a different direction and he didn't even know it. Though what he did was wrong, Misty felt bad and agreed with Justin he had paid the biggest price already.
"Maybe a hospital is the best place for him. We can only do so much here, and with people breathing down our throats constantly doesn't help at all. Would you still counsel him to make sure he was doing ok?"
"I kind of wish I could have seen the look on their faces too. If it means anything, I believe you."
Leaning back in her chair and letting out a long sigh as she just listened to Aaron she gave a nod. She believed him. Maybe it wasn't smart but she didn't believe he wasn't trying to do anything.
"Since you haven't eaten anything, want me to grab something for you?"
Seeing Hunter pull up and standing Ryan grinned as he honked the horn and shouted. About to shout back Ryan stopped hearing someone a few house down yell about it being late and people trying to sleep. Raising an eyebrow and turning to where the shout came from Ryan yelled back.
"It's six thirty at night who sleeps this early? Get a life would ya."
Turning back to Hunter Ryan grinned before getting into the car. Leaning over and giving him a kiss her eyes twinkled. Pulling away she laughed and shook her head.
"I don't just yell at anyone for anyone you know. You must be pretty special."
Misty listened to Justin and gave a nod. It was a hard position for them to be in. Everyone was pulling Chance in a different direction and he didn't even know it. Though what he did was wrong, Misty felt bad and agreed with Justin he had paid the biggest price already.
"Maybe a hospital is the best place for him. We can only do so much here, and with people breathing down our throats constantly doesn't help at all. Would you still counsel him to make sure he was doing ok?"
May 11, 2017
Don't Care
As Sam left the room, Wyatt's eyes widened and all humor vanished. "Yeah... sure... anytime..." As she disappeared, he let out a low whistle before getting up from the desk. Maybe it would be best to go back to his own desk now, and far away from this end of the office.
Aaron was sitting up on his bed, one knee up, and his bad leg stretched out and propped up with a pillow. He looked up as Sam entered, cocking his head just a little. She seemed a bit... uptight.
He shrugged at her question. "Eh... twisted my knee a little when Pete gave me a shove." He turned his arm around to try and see the red welt near his elbow. "Think I got a burn, but I'll live."
Falling silent for a moment, he replayed the scene in his head. And without any warning at all, he started to laugh. "You shoulda seen it. Sparks. Smoke. Whole thing just... boom." He gestured like an explosion as his laughter formed tears in his eyes. Trying to breathe, he shook his head. "The looks on their faces when they came around the corner... they must have thought I blew a hole in the wall in an attempt to escape."
He wiped his eyes and tried to calm down. "I never did get my lunch. I think frozen dinner..." He started laughing again, unable to speak for several moments. "...needs to be scraped off the ceiling." Coughing, he put a hand to his chest and forced the wave of laughter down. His face was red and he wiped his eyes again. "Pete's an idiot but I figured there wasn't much point in fighting him since I knew you'd be back."
He shook his head. "I never did get to tell them that all I did was punch in the time and hit start. Something must have overheated, but it wasn't anything I did." With his senses coming back, he sighed. No, he wasn't happy he was just a prisoner when Sam wasn't around. He wasn't happy with Pete's reaction. He wasn't happy about someone locking his door again - which really was pointless. But what else could he expect? "They prolly won't ever believe I wasn't trying to pull something, but I guess I don't care anymore."
Hunter was just getting into his car when he got Ryan's text, and grinned.
Getting hotter every minute.
He rolled his eyes at himself and started the engine. It was a good thing Eli didn't see their text conversation, otherwise he might assume some rather interesting things.
After getting home, he'd showered and changed into his jeans and motorcycle boots with a clean, plain white t-shirt. After all, they were just going to mom and pops
Arriving at Ryan's, he pulled up to the curb and saw her waiting on the porch. Without giving her time to even stand up, he laid on the horn and shouted out the open window. "Hey! Get a move on! I don't got all night, ya know!"
Justin leaned back against the counter and sighed. It took him a few moments to answer Misty, but when he did, he nodded. "I think it's possible. He's had quite a severe breakdown, and it's no wonder with how many things he was trying to control. The good thing is that he's been answering questions honestly - as far as I can tell, and when he's been in the right frame of mind. I've put a lot of pieces together and I'm formulating some new approaches with him."
He paused and glanced at Misty's eyes. "The hard part is that this is going to take time. My prediction is that we won't want him left alone for probably the next four weeks at least. Hopefully he'll be more stable after that, but he's going to need months of counseling if he's going to get through this and... only if he actually wants to get better. Which brings me to the even harder issue... What's the Elite going to do with him?"
He shook his head. "The FBI wants him in prison. Reese wants him interrogated then handed over. Nobody wants him to stay here, and nobody can justify him getting away scott free. Personally, I think he's paid for his crimes." His eyes drifted back to the bed where Chance was huddled up, still clinging to his pillow. "But the law demands a different kind of justice. I'm afraid the only thing I can do is recommend he be placed in a hospital. That way it keeps him out of prison for now, with time to heal."
Aaron was sitting up on his bed, one knee up, and his bad leg stretched out and propped up with a pillow. He looked up as Sam entered, cocking his head just a little. She seemed a bit... uptight.
He shrugged at her question. "Eh... twisted my knee a little when Pete gave me a shove." He turned his arm around to try and see the red welt near his elbow. "Think I got a burn, but I'll live."
Falling silent for a moment, he replayed the scene in his head. And without any warning at all, he started to laugh. "You shoulda seen it. Sparks. Smoke. Whole thing just... boom." He gestured like an explosion as his laughter formed tears in his eyes. Trying to breathe, he shook his head. "The looks on their faces when they came around the corner... they must have thought I blew a hole in the wall in an attempt to escape."
He wiped his eyes and tried to calm down. "I never did get my lunch. I think frozen dinner..." He started laughing again, unable to speak for several moments. "...needs to be scraped off the ceiling." Coughing, he put a hand to his chest and forced the wave of laughter down. His face was red and he wiped his eyes again. "Pete's an idiot but I figured there wasn't much point in fighting him since I knew you'd be back."
He shook his head. "I never did get to tell them that all I did was punch in the time and hit start. Something must have overheated, but it wasn't anything I did." With his senses coming back, he sighed. No, he wasn't happy he was just a prisoner when Sam wasn't around. He wasn't happy with Pete's reaction. He wasn't happy about someone locking his door again - which really was pointless. But what else could he expect? "They prolly won't ever believe I wasn't trying to pull something, but I guess I don't care anymore."
Hunter was just getting into his car when he got Ryan's text, and grinned.
Getting hotter every minute.
He rolled his eyes at himself and started the engine. It was a good thing Eli didn't see their text conversation, otherwise he might assume some rather interesting things.
After getting home, he'd showered and changed into his jeans and motorcycle boots with a clean, plain white t-shirt. After all, they were just going to mom and pops
Arriving at Ryan's, he pulled up to the curb and saw her waiting on the porch. Without giving her time to even stand up, he laid on the horn and shouted out the open window. "Hey! Get a move on! I don't got all night, ya know!"
Justin leaned back against the counter and sighed. It took him a few moments to answer Misty, but when he did, he nodded. "I think it's possible. He's had quite a severe breakdown, and it's no wonder with how many things he was trying to control. The good thing is that he's been answering questions honestly - as far as I can tell, and when he's been in the right frame of mind. I've put a lot of pieces together and I'm formulating some new approaches with him."
He paused and glanced at Misty's eyes. "The hard part is that this is going to take time. My prediction is that we won't want him left alone for probably the next four weeks at least. Hopefully he'll be more stable after that, but he's going to need months of counseling if he's going to get through this and... only if he actually wants to get better. Which brings me to the even harder issue... What's the Elite going to do with him?"
He shook his head. "The FBI wants him in prison. Reese wants him interrogated then handed over. Nobody wants him to stay here, and nobody can justify him getting away scott free. Personally, I think he's paid for his crimes." His eyes drifted back to the bed where Chance was huddled up, still clinging to his pillow. "But the law demands a different kind of justice. I'm afraid the only thing I can do is recommend he be placed in a hospital. That way it keeps him out of prison for now, with time to heal."
Slacker
Sam watched the cam and then looked at Wyatt crossing her arms.
"So Aaron was cooking, had a mishap, and Pete over reacted....got it. I guess I won't be leaving again during work hours since everyone around here is going to undo, what I am trying to build. Thanks for your time Wyatt."
Turning Sam let out a sigh and left the security office before making her way across the floor again. Getting to Aaron's room Sam knocked on the door before unlocking and opening it. Stepping inside she looked at Aaron for a long moment before coming over to the chair and sitting down.
"Sorry, they locked you in. I thought I could trust them to cut you some slack but I guess I was wrong. You ok from the whole Microwave incident, didn't get hurt did ya?"
Ryan smiled before putting her phone back in her pocket again. She had to get back to the car she was working on if she really was going to leave at five. Looking over at where Miles was and seeing him fiddle with his wrench Ryan took the dirty rag she was using and threw it at him landing on his shoulder.
"Miles get back to work would ya before the boss gets upset that car isn't done yet."
...It wasn't much later that Ryan was home and showered. She'd thrown her hair up in a ponytail since it was still wet and had a pair of her jeans, and a tank top on. She liked that Hunter didn't mind she dressed casual. It was what she was more comfortable in.
Sitting on the porch and waiting for Hunter Ryan sipped her bottle of water. It was a nice night out. Warm but there still was a cool breeze. It was nights like this she missed camping with her family the most. Pulling out her phone and sending a message to Hunter she smiled.
Hurry up slacker, I dont have all night. I got a hot date later.
Just continuing to watch Chance Misty patted his hand. He was having such a hard time she just wished there was a quick fit for this and make everything better. She knew it didn't work that way though.
Catching Justin's eye again Misty gave a nod before standing and following Justin little ways away. She was happy to hear that Chance was opening up a little more that was a good thing. She gave a nod about something to help him sleep. She'd thought about it but hadn't wanted to put Chane on too much. At this point though maybe it was the best thing.
"Yeah, I'll give him something to help him sleep tonight. Some rest could help a great deal."
Looking over at Chance again Misty let out a small sigh before crossing her arms in a worried manner before looking back to Justin.
"Do you think he is going to be ok and make it through all this? Honestly?"
"So Aaron was cooking, had a mishap, and Pete over reacted....got it. I guess I won't be leaving again during work hours since everyone around here is going to undo, what I am trying to build. Thanks for your time Wyatt."
Turning Sam let out a sigh and left the security office before making her way across the floor again. Getting to Aaron's room Sam knocked on the door before unlocking and opening it. Stepping inside she looked at Aaron for a long moment before coming over to the chair and sitting down.
"Sorry, they locked you in. I thought I could trust them to cut you some slack but I guess I was wrong. You ok from the whole Microwave incident, didn't get hurt did ya?"
Ryan smiled before putting her phone back in her pocket again. She had to get back to the car she was working on if she really was going to leave at five. Looking over at where Miles was and seeing him fiddle with his wrench Ryan took the dirty rag she was using and threw it at him landing on his shoulder.
"Miles get back to work would ya before the boss gets upset that car isn't done yet."
...It wasn't much later that Ryan was home and showered. She'd thrown her hair up in a ponytail since it was still wet and had a pair of her jeans, and a tank top on. She liked that Hunter didn't mind she dressed casual. It was what she was more comfortable in.
Sitting on the porch and waiting for Hunter Ryan sipped her bottle of water. It was a nice night out. Warm but there still was a cool breeze. It was nights like this she missed camping with her family the most. Pulling out her phone and sending a message to Hunter she smiled.
Hurry up slacker, I dont have all night. I got a hot date later.
Just continuing to watch Chance Misty patted his hand. He was having such a hard time she just wished there was a quick fit for this and make everything better. She knew it didn't work that way though.
Catching Justin's eye again Misty gave a nod before standing and following Justin little ways away. She was happy to hear that Chance was opening up a little more that was a good thing. She gave a nod about something to help him sleep. She'd thought about it but hadn't wanted to put Chane on too much. At this point though maybe it was the best thing.
"Yeah, I'll give him something to help him sleep tonight. Some rest could help a great deal."
Looking over at Chance again Misty let out a small sigh before crossing her arms in a worried manner before looking back to Justin.
"Do you think he is going to be ok and make it through all this? Honestly?"
Could be Awkward
Wyatt glanced up as Sam entered the room, and nodded slowly. "Yeah, we had a bit of an incident while you were gone, actually..." He reached over and hit a few keys on the keyboard to rewind some footage. It showed the hall, and smoke billowing out from the break room. Shortly after, several agents were running to the room, Pete with his gun drawn, and Con with a fire extinguisher. About a minute later, Pete was escorting Aaron back to his room.
Wyatt stopped the footage and pursed his lips. "The microwave blew up." As hard as he tried, he couldn't keep a lid on his humor, and he choked on a laugh before swallowing it down. "Pretty sure Pete thought it was a bomb. Even Con heard it." He cleared his throat. "Unfortunately, I think Pete didn't believe Aaron's explanation, and he locked the door to his room. So... you might wanna go have a little chatty chat with our resident non-prisoner prisoner."
Standing off to the side while the Eli and Zan continued to work, Hunter grinned then snickered at Ryan's text message. He was quick to reply.
I hope not...
He waited a few seconds.
Cuz I really wanna kiss you...
He sent it and waited another few seconds.
And... you know...
make out...
He purposely waited again.
That could be awkward if
it's totally platonic...
"Hunt!"
He looked up quickly. "What?!"
Eli rolled his eyes. "Quit texting your girlfriend and get over here. We need another set of hands."
Hunter just grinned and tucked his phone in his pocket before going to help. "You're just jealous Ryan answers my texts faster than Scarlet answers yours."
"Ohhh... low blow, boy... low blow."
Zan chuckled as he lay on his back under the car. "You sure you two are friends?"
Eli stuck his head down so he could see him. "Oh, best buds. Isn't it obvious? Now focus!"
Zan withheld another laugh and just kept working.
Chance tried to follow Misty's instructions in an attempt to calm his breathing and his racing pulse. Unwanted tears filled his eyes again. "I can't do this," he whimpered. "I can't take it." He drew in a ragged breath and shook his head at the offer of food or drink. He didn't want anything other than a shot to the head to end it all right here, right now. Be done for good.
Justin saw the look in Chance's eye, and pursed his lips grimly. He caught Misty's eye and knew she was concerned. So was he. "Just relax," he directed Chance. "Lie back and try to rest."
Chance eased over onto his side, still hugging the pillow tightly.
Justin stood and motioned for Misty to join him a short distance away out of Chance's earshot, and kept his voice low. "He's talking to me more - that's an improvement. I've gotten a lot out of him - enough to figure out what some of his main issues are, so we can start working on them. He's still unstable though. I don't wanna increase his meds, but maybe something to at least help him sleep at night too. That might help him have a clearer head during the day. Right now I think he's sleep deprived on top of everything else because he won't let himself rest."
Wyatt stopped the footage and pursed his lips. "The microwave blew up." As hard as he tried, he couldn't keep a lid on his humor, and he choked on a laugh before swallowing it down. "Pretty sure Pete thought it was a bomb. Even Con heard it." He cleared his throat. "Unfortunately, I think Pete didn't believe Aaron's explanation, and he locked the door to his room. So... you might wanna go have a little chatty chat with our resident non-prisoner prisoner."
Standing off to the side while the Eli and Zan continued to work, Hunter grinned then snickered at Ryan's text message. He was quick to reply.
I hope not...
He waited a few seconds.
Cuz I really wanna kiss you...
He sent it and waited another few seconds.
And... you know...
make out...
He purposely waited again.
That could be awkward if
it's totally platonic...
"Hunt!"
He looked up quickly. "What?!"
Eli rolled his eyes. "Quit texting your girlfriend and get over here. We need another set of hands."
Hunter just grinned and tucked his phone in his pocket before going to help. "You're just jealous Ryan answers my texts faster than Scarlet answers yours."
"Ohhh... low blow, boy... low blow."
Zan chuckled as he lay on his back under the car. "You sure you two are friends?"
Eli stuck his head down so he could see him. "Oh, best buds. Isn't it obvious? Now focus!"
Zan withheld another laugh and just kept working.
Chance tried to follow Misty's instructions in an attempt to calm his breathing and his racing pulse. Unwanted tears filled his eyes again. "I can't do this," he whimpered. "I can't take it." He drew in a ragged breath and shook his head at the offer of food or drink. He didn't want anything other than a shot to the head to end it all right here, right now. Be done for good.
Justin saw the look in Chance's eye, and pursed his lips grimly. He caught Misty's eye and knew she was concerned. So was he. "Just relax," he directed Chance. "Lie back and try to rest."
Chance eased over onto his side, still hugging the pillow tightly.
Justin stood and motioned for Misty to join him a short distance away out of Chance's earshot, and kept his voice low. "He's talking to me more - that's an improvement. I've gotten a lot out of him - enough to figure out what some of his main issues are, so we can start working on them. He's still unstable though. I don't wanna increase his meds, but maybe something to at least help him sleep at night too. That might help him have a clearer head during the day. Right now I think he's sleep deprived on top of everything else because he won't let himself rest."
Platonic
Sam smiled at Hal walking to the door. She couldn't help but laugh a little at Hal's surprise that she actually wanted to do something else with him. Even if he as in a sour mood she still like spending time with him and making him smile even if it was just a little.
"Ok, I'll text you as soon as I figure it out. I am going to need some time to think because...this is a big desition you know."
Smiling again Sam gave a little wave before leaving and heading back to work. The whole way there just thinking about Hal and what he was going though. She really did feel bad for him and hoped everything would turn out ok.
"Hey Wyatt, thanks for watching everything for me. Sorry I was a little longer than intended. Anything exciting happens while I was going?"
Sam sat down in her normal chair taking a look at the cams again. It looked like nothing much went on but she had to ask anyways just in case.
Sitting down next to Gunner on the bed Bree took his hand in her own. She was happy he was going to go through with the surgery but at the same time, she was nervous too.
"I'll be with you every step of the way. You won't lose me, I promise."
Stopping what she was doing and wiping her hands off on a rag Ryan pulled out her phone before sitting down on the nearby bench and taking a sip of her water. Reading Hunter's text she smiled about to reply when the other one came in and she laughed out loud. Looking around and then going back to her phone she couldn't help the stupid smile she had.
I get off at 5, Mom and Pop's sounds
good, and then us time after even better.
Sending the text Ryan's eyes went slightly wide realized what she texted did not sound right at all. At least Hunter knew what she meant, but still.
I mean that in a completely
platonic way.
Seeing Justin needed some help calming Chance down Misty was quick to come over next to him and sit on the bed. Playing a hand on his arm she gave him a soft smile.
"Deep breaths, in your mouth, out your nose."
Looking at Justin she let out a small sigh just saying so much without even using words. Chance was still long ways away from being ok and she was worried. She didn't even know if they were really helping. She new Justin knew what he was doing, she just worried.
"Want me to get you a drink or anything to eat?"
"Ok, I'll text you as soon as I figure it out. I am going to need some time to think because...this is a big desition you know."
Smiling again Sam gave a little wave before leaving and heading back to work. The whole way there just thinking about Hal and what he was going though. She really did feel bad for him and hoped everything would turn out ok.
"Hey Wyatt, thanks for watching everything for me. Sorry I was a little longer than intended. Anything exciting happens while I was going?"
Sam sat down in her normal chair taking a look at the cams again. It looked like nothing much went on but she had to ask anyways just in case.
Sitting down next to Gunner on the bed Bree took his hand in her own. She was happy he was going to go through with the surgery but at the same time, she was nervous too.
"I'll be with you every step of the way. You won't lose me, I promise."
Stopping what she was doing and wiping her hands off on a rag Ryan pulled out her phone before sitting down on the nearby bench and taking a sip of her water. Reading Hunter's text she smiled about to reply when the other one came in and she laughed out loud. Looking around and then going back to her phone she couldn't help the stupid smile she had.
I get off at 5, Mom and Pop's sounds
good, and then us time after even better.
Sending the text Ryan's eyes went slightly wide realized what she texted did not sound right at all. At least Hunter knew what she meant, but still.
I mean that in a completely
platonic way.
Seeing Justin needed some help calming Chance down Misty was quick to come over next to him and sit on the bed. Playing a hand on his arm she gave him a soft smile.
"Deep breaths, in your mouth, out your nose."
Looking at Justin she let out a small sigh just saying so much without even using words. Chance was still long ways away from being ok and she was worried. She didn't even know if they were really helping. She new Justin knew what he was doing, she just worried.
"Want me to get you a drink or anything to eat?"
Whatever
Looking up at Sam as she was preparing to leave, Hal chuckled. "Seriously? Most people like to avoid grouches like me, ya know, not keep spending time with them."
In spite of himself though... he was smiling. She'd done it to him again. Amidst the storm, she was the sunshine that broke through the clouds. He rolled his eyes and stood up to walk her to the door. "Okay. Dinner. But you pick what we do. Just make it somewhere other than here so I have a reason to leave my apartment."
He opened the door and leaned on it, finding his gaze on her face again. It always seemed to return there... to that smile... to those eyes. "Thank you... for coming over. You can text me later when you decide about dinner."
Gunner swallowed hard and just leaned his head against Bree, trying to sort through everything. It was overwhelming to say the least, and frustrating not to be able to just make a decision. What would he have done a couple years ago? When his mind had been more clear?
It wasn't much later that he was slowly walking back to his room, hand-in-hand with Bree. He had fallen silent - not unresponsive, but close to it, other than holding her hand and walking on his own. Once they'd reached his room, he sighed. It really wasn't a bad room, considering where he was. It was just... small.
He sank down to sit on the bed and looked up at Bree with sadness in his eyes. He'd created this. All of it. He was here because he'd been stupid, and she was hurting because of it, too. "I'll do it," he whispered. "I'll have the surgery. I can't... I can't keep living like this."
"Right... there. Hold it, hold it." Zan directed Jett as they worked on his car, fitting a used part in place.
Hunter looked over their shoulders. He'd scavenged for that particular part just this morning. "Did it work?"
"I think..." Zan gave the wrench one more turn. "It did."
"Whew." Hunter stepped back and wiped his hands on his rag.
Eli set his own case of supplies down after having arrived shortly before. "Give 'er a try."
Zan slipped in behind the wheel and turned on the ignition. The engine roared to life, but it wasn't loud enough to muffle all the guys' whoops of excitement. He got out while it was still running and looked the engine over. "Doesn't sound all that pretty," he mentioned loudly, "but good enough to run!"
Once it had been shut off again, Eli wandered closer. "Now it's my turn to make her pretty again. Then we need to put our heads together and figure out what to do about Thunder. You free tonight?"
Zan nodded. Hunter shook his head. "Got a date with your sister."
Eli smirked. "Well we wouldn't wanna interrupt that now would we? Can you cut it short? Or start later? We need to form a plan so you guys can whip Thunder as soon as possible."
Hunter rolled his eyes. "I'll see what she thinks. Man... you guys are cramping my style here."
Zan grinned as he tinkered a little more in the engine. "I'll just be glad to get Thunder out of the races for good."
Jett stood back a little, glancing between the other men, not really intentionally excluded, but not really a part of it either. "We should go to Mom and Pop's for pizza," he suggested. "It's not a usual hangout for the racing crowd, so nobody should be able to figure out something's going on."
Zan quirked an eyebrow. "I guess that would be okay."
Eli shrugged. "Sure."
A long pause followed and Jett grabbed a rag to wipe his hands. "I gotta get to work. I get off at seven though, so I'll see you guys later."
"I might have to make it a little earlier," Hunter warned. "If Ryan and I are gonna do anything afterwards."
"I can do it at six," Eli suggested.
Zan nodded. "Me too."
"Oh." Jett shrugged. "Well I'll get there as quick as I can."
After he'd left, Hunter pulled out his phone.
Hey Babe. What time you get
off? Wanna go to Mom and
Pop's at 6? Zan and Eli wanna
talk about the races.
He grinned and sent a second text.
Then we can have the rest
of the evening to ourselves.
To do... whatever.
"Can you tell me about you and Destiny? How did you meet?"
Chance hugged his pillow tightly as he sat on the infirmary bed, undergoing another session with Justin. The question produced new tears. "Um... I... I was her bodyguard. After her parents were killed by the Underground." He swallowed hard. "The Elite had me keep her safe until things settled down."
"Did they?"
"For a little while."
Justin cocked his head. "When did you two start a relationship?"
"While I was staying with her. It just... happened."
"Did she know you had ties to the Underground?"
Chance shook his head and curled into the pillow a little more. "She hated me for that... when it was found out."
"What did you do then?"
"I... I left. The Elite took my badge and I..." His eyes gained a faraway look. "I had nothing left."
Silence reigned for a few moments until Justin spoke again. "Where did you go?"
Chance sighed. "Home. Arizona. But... but my dad was just proven right that I was worthless. There was nothing for me there. The Elite didn't want me anymore. And I'd betrayed the Underground." He blinked another tear away. "They wanted me back though... for information... and to teach me a lesson... they kidnapped Destiny and... wanted to trade me."
"What happened?"
"Reese wanted me to switch sides. Go through with the trade. Then I could be a double-agent again but this time working for the Elite. But... when I saw Destiny, I... I couldn't do it. She was the only person I ever really cared for and... and the only one who ever really cared about me." Several more tears escaped and fell to soak into the pillow. "The Elite put me away for a while. Had me too deep for anyone to find while I helped with some cases and gave them Underground intel."
"Then you came back."
Chance nodded. "I had to."
"Why?"
"Because..." His voice quivered. "I had to see Destiny again. And... and she forgave me and... and took me back and... and she still loved me."
Justin sighed deeply and leaned back in his chair. "Why did the Underground want you back after all the intel you'd given the Elite?"
Chance had a hard time getting his mind back off of Destiny. "Um... I... I guess because I hadn't given up the most important information." He sniffed and wiped his eyes with the back of his hand. "They... they knew I hadn't told the Elite everything so... so they knew a part of me was still loyal. And they wanted my skills."
"Why were you still loyal? Why didn't you give up everything to the Elite?"
Chance shrugged. "I dunno."
Justin studied him intently. "Was it the control you liked? Knowing you still held an ace up your sleeve?"
Chance shrugged again. He'd honestly never thought about it. "Maybe." His reddened eyes drifted over to Justin. "Is that what's wrong with me?" he whimpered. "Is that why I can't ever seem to do the right thing?"
"Why do you think something's wrong with you?"
"Because.... because I can't ever... ever seem to..." His breathing grew shallow and he started to rock back and forth. "To... to do wh-what I... I want and... and... I can't..."
"Hey, calm down." Justin stood and neared to put a hand on his shoulder. "Easy. Breathe. Just breathe." He glanced over at Misty with worry, silently asking for help to get Chance calmed down again. The mild medication they had him on had definitely helped, but he still got pushed over the edge when he got worked up like this.
In spite of himself though... he was smiling. She'd done it to him again. Amidst the storm, she was the sunshine that broke through the clouds. He rolled his eyes and stood up to walk her to the door. "Okay. Dinner. But you pick what we do. Just make it somewhere other than here so I have a reason to leave my apartment."
He opened the door and leaned on it, finding his gaze on her face again. It always seemed to return there... to that smile... to those eyes. "Thank you... for coming over. You can text me later when you decide about dinner."
Gunner swallowed hard and just leaned his head against Bree, trying to sort through everything. It was overwhelming to say the least, and frustrating not to be able to just make a decision. What would he have done a couple years ago? When his mind had been more clear?
It wasn't much later that he was slowly walking back to his room, hand-in-hand with Bree. He had fallen silent - not unresponsive, but close to it, other than holding her hand and walking on his own. Once they'd reached his room, he sighed. It really wasn't a bad room, considering where he was. It was just... small.
He sank down to sit on the bed and looked up at Bree with sadness in his eyes. He'd created this. All of it. He was here because he'd been stupid, and she was hurting because of it, too. "I'll do it," he whispered. "I'll have the surgery. I can't... I can't keep living like this."
"Right... there. Hold it, hold it." Zan directed Jett as they worked on his car, fitting a used part in place.
Hunter looked over their shoulders. He'd scavenged for that particular part just this morning. "Did it work?"
"I think..." Zan gave the wrench one more turn. "It did."
"Whew." Hunter stepped back and wiped his hands on his rag.
Eli set his own case of supplies down after having arrived shortly before. "Give 'er a try."
Zan slipped in behind the wheel and turned on the ignition. The engine roared to life, but it wasn't loud enough to muffle all the guys' whoops of excitement. He got out while it was still running and looked the engine over. "Doesn't sound all that pretty," he mentioned loudly, "but good enough to run!"
Once it had been shut off again, Eli wandered closer. "Now it's my turn to make her pretty again. Then we need to put our heads together and figure out what to do about Thunder. You free tonight?"
Zan nodded. Hunter shook his head. "Got a date with your sister."
Eli smirked. "Well we wouldn't wanna interrupt that now would we? Can you cut it short? Or start later? We need to form a plan so you guys can whip Thunder as soon as possible."
Hunter rolled his eyes. "I'll see what she thinks. Man... you guys are cramping my style here."
Zan grinned as he tinkered a little more in the engine. "I'll just be glad to get Thunder out of the races for good."
Jett stood back a little, glancing between the other men, not really intentionally excluded, but not really a part of it either. "We should go to Mom and Pop's for pizza," he suggested. "It's not a usual hangout for the racing crowd, so nobody should be able to figure out something's going on."
Zan quirked an eyebrow. "I guess that would be okay."
Eli shrugged. "Sure."
A long pause followed and Jett grabbed a rag to wipe his hands. "I gotta get to work. I get off at seven though, so I'll see you guys later."
"I might have to make it a little earlier," Hunter warned. "If Ryan and I are gonna do anything afterwards."
"I can do it at six," Eli suggested.
Zan nodded. "Me too."
"Oh." Jett shrugged. "Well I'll get there as quick as I can."
After he'd left, Hunter pulled out his phone.
Hey Babe. What time you get
off? Wanna go to Mom and
Pop's at 6? Zan and Eli wanna
talk about the races.
He grinned and sent a second text.
Then we can have the rest
of the evening to ourselves.
To do... whatever.
"Can you tell me about you and Destiny? How did you meet?"
Chance hugged his pillow tightly as he sat on the infirmary bed, undergoing another session with Justin. The question produced new tears. "Um... I... I was her bodyguard. After her parents were killed by the Underground." He swallowed hard. "The Elite had me keep her safe until things settled down."
"Did they?"
"For a little while."
Justin cocked his head. "When did you two start a relationship?"
"While I was staying with her. It just... happened."
"Did she know you had ties to the Underground?"
Chance shook his head and curled into the pillow a little more. "She hated me for that... when it was found out."
"What did you do then?"
"I... I left. The Elite took my badge and I..." His eyes gained a faraway look. "I had nothing left."
Silence reigned for a few moments until Justin spoke again. "Where did you go?"
Chance sighed. "Home. Arizona. But... but my dad was just proven right that I was worthless. There was nothing for me there. The Elite didn't want me anymore. And I'd betrayed the Underground." He blinked another tear away. "They wanted me back though... for information... and to teach me a lesson... they kidnapped Destiny and... wanted to trade me."
"What happened?"
"Reese wanted me to switch sides. Go through with the trade. Then I could be a double-agent again but this time working for the Elite. But... when I saw Destiny, I... I couldn't do it. She was the only person I ever really cared for and... and the only one who ever really cared about me." Several more tears escaped and fell to soak into the pillow. "The Elite put me away for a while. Had me too deep for anyone to find while I helped with some cases and gave them Underground intel."
"Then you came back."
Chance nodded. "I had to."
"Why?"
"Because..." His voice quivered. "I had to see Destiny again. And... and she forgave me and... and took me back and... and she still loved me."
Justin sighed deeply and leaned back in his chair. "Why did the Underground want you back after all the intel you'd given the Elite?"
Chance had a hard time getting his mind back off of Destiny. "Um... I... I guess because I hadn't given up the most important information." He sniffed and wiped his eyes with the back of his hand. "They... they knew I hadn't told the Elite everything so... so they knew a part of me was still loyal. And they wanted my skills."
"Why were you still loyal? Why didn't you give up everything to the Elite?"
Chance shrugged. "I dunno."
Justin studied him intently. "Was it the control you liked? Knowing you still held an ace up your sleeve?"
Chance shrugged again. He'd honestly never thought about it. "Maybe." His reddened eyes drifted over to Justin. "Is that what's wrong with me?" he whimpered. "Is that why I can't ever seem to do the right thing?"
"Why do you think something's wrong with you?"
"Because.... because I can't ever... ever seem to..." His breathing grew shallow and he started to rock back and forth. "To... to do wh-what I... I want and... and... I can't..."
"Hey, calm down." Justin stood and neared to put a hand on his shoulder. "Easy. Breathe. Just breathe." He glanced over at Misty with worry, silently asking for help to get Chance calmed down again. The mild medication they had him on had definitely helped, but he still got pushed over the edge when he got worked up like this.
Dinner?
Finishing up the food Sam gave a little burp and grinning at Hal before taking another sip of her soda. Setting it down again Sam let out a small sigh. She knew she really did need to get back to work even if she didn't want too. Wyatt had been nice enough for taking over for a little bit she better not push it too much.
"I guess I should get back."
Getting their trash together Sam stood and threw it away. Coming back to the living room before heading out. Looking at Hal she smiled again. Even when he was in a crappy mood he seemed to just make her smile by being himself.
"Want to do dinner tonight?"
Just continuing to sit with Gunner even after her Uncle came in she held him close. Hearing he didn't want the surgery she looked at JT. She had her own thoughts about it but it wasn't her desition to make. But maybe she could help.
"I'd never feel stuck with you my vampire. I'm with you because I want to bet, I want you to be happy, and healthy, and if you never are again I will still be by your side because I love you and that will never change."
No matter what happened Bree would always love Gunner. If she had to always take care of him she would and never complain one moment about it. As long as she could be with him she was happy.
"You should be worrying about you and if this can help make you healthy again. I'll be here no matter the outcome I can promise you that."
"I guess I should get back."
Getting their trash together Sam stood and threw it away. Coming back to the living room before heading out. Looking at Hal she smiled again. Even when he was in a crappy mood he seemed to just make her smile by being himself.
"Want to do dinner tonight?"
Just continuing to sit with Gunner even after her Uncle came in she held him close. Hearing he didn't want the surgery she looked at JT. She had her own thoughts about it but it wasn't her desition to make. But maybe she could help.
"I'd never feel stuck with you my vampire. I'm with you because I want to bet, I want you to be happy, and healthy, and if you never are again I will still be by your side because I love you and that will never change."
No matter what happened Bree would always love Gunner. If she had to always take care of him she would and never complain one moment about it. As long as she could be with him she was happy.
"You should be worrying about you and if this can help make you healthy again. I'll be here no matter the outcome I can promise you that."
May 10, 2017
Stuck
Gunner scooted to the side as much as he could to make room for Bree, but really... he was glad the chair was small, just so he could feel her close to him. He leaned into her embrace and held her hand, sighing in defeat. It felt like he'd been here a hundred years already. He was so tired. So worn out from this constant fight.
He closed his eyes and nestled into her hand on his face, feeling as though he were receiving a drink of cold water after almost dying of thirst. "I can't make this decision on my own... I just can't... I don't know what to do," he repeated. Falling silent, he simply sat with Bree, unable to really process what was happening and all that was involved in this decision making process. He wasn't sure if he'd be able to make this choice when he was feeling great, let alone when he was on meds that made his brain foggy.
It was a while later when the door opened again, and JT slowly reentered the room. He came close and sat down on the edge of the coffee table, studying both Gunner and his niece. He could tell by their quietness that no decision had been made yet.
Gunner looked at him dimly. "I don't wanna go through all that," he mentioned softly.
"I know." JT nodded. He leaned forward to rest his elbows on his knees. "But if you don't... eventually, whatever's causing your trouble... it's just going to get worse, if not kill you. You realize that, don't you?"
Gunner pressed himself into Bree a little more. "I guess so. But... but what if they're wrong? What if there's really no fragment at all?"
"Then there's something else in there that they'll find and be able to fix." JT pursed his lips, his brow furrowing in an apologetic expression. "I've observed your behavior, and I've seen the test results. From a strictly medical standpoint, I am ninety percent sure that there's something physically wrong that needs to be taken care of."
"So... so if you were me... you'd do it?"
JT sighed deeply and thought for several long moments before he finally nodded. "Yes. Because if I didn't... I know I'd wind up in worse shape than I was already and... I would take the risk."
It was at least a full minute before Gunner finally turned to look at Bree once more. "What if... what if I wind up in worse shape? What if... I lose my memory or... or I can't do things on my own anymore? I don't..." He stopped as tears filled his eyes and his voice cracked. "I don't want you to feel stuck with me."
All Sam's touch to his hand did was serve to send another batch of tingles down his spine. How she did that, he'd never know. As she withdrew, he unwrapped another taco, more as a distraction than to satisfy his stomach. "I hope you're right." Inside though... his gut was telling him otherwise about Alison. It wasn't just that she was moving. There was more, and he could feel it. But he wouldn't argue. Sam was doing her best to make him feel better, and he wasn't going to fight with her.
He watched the television in silence for a while - at least long enough to finish his taco and drink some of his pop. He knew this impromptu lunch wouldn't last forever though. He turned his head again and let his eyes roam Sam's face once more. "I... suppose you gotta go relieve Wyatt, huh?"
He closed his eyes and nestled into her hand on his face, feeling as though he were receiving a drink of cold water after almost dying of thirst. "I can't make this decision on my own... I just can't... I don't know what to do," he repeated. Falling silent, he simply sat with Bree, unable to really process what was happening and all that was involved in this decision making process. He wasn't sure if he'd be able to make this choice when he was feeling great, let alone when he was on meds that made his brain foggy.
It was a while later when the door opened again, and JT slowly reentered the room. He came close and sat down on the edge of the coffee table, studying both Gunner and his niece. He could tell by their quietness that no decision had been made yet.
Gunner looked at him dimly. "I don't wanna go through all that," he mentioned softly.
"I know." JT nodded. He leaned forward to rest his elbows on his knees. "But if you don't... eventually, whatever's causing your trouble... it's just going to get worse, if not kill you. You realize that, don't you?"
Gunner pressed himself into Bree a little more. "I guess so. But... but what if they're wrong? What if there's really no fragment at all?"
"Then there's something else in there that they'll find and be able to fix." JT pursed his lips, his brow furrowing in an apologetic expression. "I've observed your behavior, and I've seen the test results. From a strictly medical standpoint, I am ninety percent sure that there's something physically wrong that needs to be taken care of."
"So... so if you were me... you'd do it?"
JT sighed deeply and thought for several long moments before he finally nodded. "Yes. Because if I didn't... I know I'd wind up in worse shape than I was already and... I would take the risk."
It was at least a full minute before Gunner finally turned to look at Bree once more. "What if... what if I wind up in worse shape? What if... I lose my memory or... or I can't do things on my own anymore? I don't..." He stopped as tears filled his eyes and his voice cracked. "I don't want you to feel stuck with me."
All Sam's touch to his hand did was serve to send another batch of tingles down his spine. How she did that, he'd never know. As she withdrew, he unwrapped another taco, more as a distraction than to satisfy his stomach. "I hope you're right." Inside though... his gut was telling him otherwise about Alison. It wasn't just that she was moving. There was more, and he could feel it. But he wouldn't argue. Sam was doing her best to make him feel better, and he wasn't going to fight with her.
He watched the television in silence for a while - at least long enough to finish his taco and drink some of his pop. He knew this impromptu lunch wouldn't last forever though. He turned his head again and let his eyes roam Sam's face once more. "I... suppose you gotta go relieve Wyatt, huh?"
No Matter
Getting to Brookshire and seeing Gunner Bree returned the hug. She was happy to see him and happy to see he was happy with her as well. Sitting down close to Gunner Bree just listened. She didn't know everything that was being said but she could catch enough. She let her Uncle do most of the talking as he knew a little more of what was going on.
Hearing about the risks that went along with the surgery Gunner would have to have to help him Bree could feel her heart race as she looked over at Gunner. She knew he was scared, she could tell by the look in his eyes and honestly, she was too not knowing what was going on.
Once let where alone again Bree let out a long sigh. Looking over at Gunner again she finally stood and wondered over to the chair he was in. Slipping down alongside him was hard but she didn't mind the tight fit if she could be close. Putting her arm around him and her other hand in his she leaned her head on his shoulder.
"No matter what you won't lose me. I love you too much to let that happen. We will always find our way to each other."
Looking up at him Bree smiled before bringing her hand to the side of his face. Just running her finger over his cheek for a long moment.
"I will back you up no matter you decide to do...ok?"
"She's won't pull away she just needs to spread her wings and fly. I've never been a parent so I don't know how this feels, but I can't blame you for how you are feeling. I would more then likely feel the same way."
Smile Sam went for another chip but stopped taking Hal's hand in her own and held it for a long moment giving it a gentle squeeze. She really did hope that just being here helped.
Turning back to the tv and letting go of his hand Sam reached for another chip. She did hope things would get better for Hal he didn't deserve to be so sad.
Giving a grin to Miles as Axel walked away Ryan shook her head. Darrel and Axel would let everyone else know when they thought the time was right. It was their news to share not hers, no matter how happy she was.
"Get back to work would ya. That car isn't going to fit itself, and I got a date tonight so I'm not doing it for you."
Though her tone sounded irritated a smile was still on her face. She loved keeping the other guys in the dark sometimes and watch them stew. It was just a little joy she got from it.
Hearing about the risks that went along with the surgery Gunner would have to have to help him Bree could feel her heart race as she looked over at Gunner. She knew he was scared, she could tell by the look in his eyes and honestly, she was too not knowing what was going on.
Once let where alone again Bree let out a long sigh. Looking over at Gunner again she finally stood and wondered over to the chair he was in. Slipping down alongside him was hard but she didn't mind the tight fit if she could be close. Putting her arm around him and her other hand in his she leaned her head on his shoulder.
"No matter what you won't lose me. I love you too much to let that happen. We will always find our way to each other."
Looking up at him Bree smiled before bringing her hand to the side of his face. Just running her finger over his cheek for a long moment.
"I will back you up no matter you decide to do...ok?"
"She's won't pull away she just needs to spread her wings and fly. I've never been a parent so I don't know how this feels, but I can't blame you for how you are feeling. I would more then likely feel the same way."
Smile Sam went for another chip but stopped taking Hal's hand in her own and held it for a long moment giving it a gentle squeeze. She really did hope that just being here helped.
Turning back to the tv and letting go of his hand Sam reached for another chip. She did hope things would get better for Hal he didn't deserve to be so sad.
Giving a grin to Miles as Axel walked away Ryan shook her head. Darrel and Axel would let everyone else know when they thought the time was right. It was their news to share not hers, no matter how happy she was.
"Get back to work would ya. That car isn't going to fit itself, and I got a date tonight so I'm not doing it for you."
Though her tone sounded irritated a smile was still on her face. She loved keeping the other guys in the dark sometimes and watch them stew. It was just a little joy she got from it.
Focus On
"Okay, um..." JT looked at the clock as he poured his coffee. He hadn't been sure Bree even wanted him along, but was glad she did. He wanted to know what was going on with Gunner just about as much as she did. "My shift ends in about an hour. After that, I'll change clothes quick and come pick you up and we'll head straight to Brookshire..."
...It was several hours later. The meeting room in the main Brookshire building was set up to be homey. With carpeted floors, some house plants, a big window, and soft chairs, it was far less stark than other parts of the building. A round coffee table provided space for discussion without it feeling like a meting room. It did still have a formal air about it though, and one that put Gunner on edge. He sat in one of the overstuffed chairs, his feet pulled up so he could hug his knees in a subconscious attempt to comfort himself. Going through the tests had been bad enough... waiting for bad news was even worse.
As the door opened, he glanced up hopefully - and seeing Bree, he wasn't disappointed. Standing up, he walked to her quickly and wrapped his arms around her, burying his face in her shoulder. He was losing track of days, and it felt like forever since he'd seen her.
JT stood back, his heart aching as he watched. Gunner was obviously so very lonely, and Bree missed him so much... they had to figure this out and get him out of here before it destroyed them both.
Dr. Hawks came in directly after, and gave them a few minutes before suggesting they all sit. Gunner's gut twisted into knots as he took the same chair again, making sure Bree sat next to him. He made an effort not to act nervous, but he still had to pull one knee close, and was glad for the warmth of his hoodie.
Dr. Hawks started by explaining the tests they'd run, and used a whole bunch of words Gunner didn't understand, which JT helped clarify. "...even though it's not one hundred percent, they think they found what could be causing some of your issues," Dr. Hawks concluded.
Gunner swallowed hard. "What?"
"Well, Dr. Easton thinks there's actually a bone fragment that's loose and putting pressure on this area here." Dr. Hawks set a print out of a brain scan on the coffee table, and pointed to where a particular area was circled.
"A bone fragment?" JT blinked. "From what?"
Dr. Hawks shook his head. "Easton isn't positive, but he thinks it's from along the edge where the metal plate is. He said most likely it has nothing to do with the original injury, but that it could have been cause by any kind of trauma after that." He looked to Gunner. "I imagine in your line of work, you've taken a tumble or two?"
Gunner nodded slowly. "Yeah... I guess. I mean... I've gotten knocked around a bit."
"Mmhmm. Easton believes at some point, you had a concussion that maybe you didn't even know about - or you did, but it didn't cause enough trouble at the time for further investigation. That, combined with natural aging could cause issues around the original injury."
Gunner was still confused. He scrunched his eyes shut as he tried to think - which wasn't as easy as it should be with the meds they currently had him on - which frustrated him to no end. "So what... what does that mean anyway?"
"Well, nothing is for certain, but Easton believes if there's a bone fragment that's pressing against - or causing damage to - this particular nerve center, that could be causing a lot of your instability." He paused, letting that sink in for a moment. "You know the little voice that tells us not to touch a stove when it's hot? That area of the brain contributes to that common sense."
JT sat back in his chair, the wheels in his mind turning from a medical standpoint. "So that would also influence decisions like disappearing without telling anyone... or stepping off a ledge."
"Precisely."
Gunner sank down a little further in his chair and his eyes shifted over to Bree. There was actually a medical reason he'd been doing all those things?
"Gunner, we've talked about your obsessive compulsive disorder," Dr. Hawks continued. "It may manifest itself somewhat differently than most patients, but that's basically what has caused a lot of your anxiety surrounding your past. Dr. Easton agrees with me that this condition could have been brought on by your original accident. Most likely you didn't suffer from OCD at all as a teenager, but now it's something you'll need to deal with the rest of your life."
Gunner's gaze fell to the floor and he shifted uncomfortably. Being diagnosed with a form of OCD wasn't something he liked to think about, especially since he knew that's what caused him to obsess about his parents' death over and over and over again.
Dr. Hawks shook his head. "I think you also have a tendency towards depression which can also be hard to battle since yours is a chemical imbalance. However... if what Dr. Easton is saying is true - then that explains why you've felt so out of control. Why you've moved beyond the psychological battle of obsessive behavior, and into the realm of actually making poor decisions. You don't really want to kill yourself, but that little voice in the back of you mind has quite literally been turned off."
"You think." JT remained realistic.
"Yes. The tests alone cannot confirm Easton's guess, but it's a good guess."
"What would you suggest then?"
Dr. Hawks sighed. "The only way to know for certain if that's what's happening - and to fix it - is surgery."
Gunner's blood rain cold. "Brain surgery?"
"Yes." Dr. Hawks knew it was best to just give it to him straight. "It would be exploratory. But if a fragment is actually found, they would remove it and also see about any repairs that might need to be done."
Gunner's other leg came up so he was hugging both of them again.
JT saw his fear and it made his heart hurt all the more. They needed the whole picture though, and as a doctor, he knew there were many risks involved. And they needed to be stated out loud. "And the risks?"
Dr. Hawks pursed his lips grimly. "I'm sure you would gain more information from talking to Dr. Easton himself. There's a lot of medical terminology and explanations he could go over with you about all of this. But the one thing he did mention to me was the risk of losing fine motor skills, and possible memory loss."
Gunner's head shot up. Was he serious? They wanted him to have surgery where he could come out of it, even worse off than he was?
"Why those two areas?" JT questioned.
"The medical science is beyond me," Dr. Hawks admitted. "But Easton talked about the different areas of the brain that would be affected by the procedure. Because of how they would have to go in and remove a fragment, it would pass through more than one area that could affect him. And... as we all know... sometimes the brain reacts very differently than anticipated."
"So I could end up a vegetable." Gunner's eyes flashed with a mixture of fear and anger. "You think it's a better idea to end up like that than where I am now?"
Dr. Hawks remained calm, used to Gunner's outbursts. "Dr. Easton is confident the consequences would not be that severe."
"Unless something goes wrong."
"Yes. I won't lie to you. Everyone here knows good and well how risky any kind of surgery is, and how much more risky any kind of brain surgery is. Best case scenario is no further damage, and a clear road to recovery that would begin the instant the fragment is removed." Dr. Hawks paused. "If there is a fragment in there... leaving it in will just worsen your condition over time, and eventually even more damage will be caused. Surgery is a risk - but doing nothing could be fatal..."
...The room was quiet. Gunner and Bree had been left alone, and Gunner hadn't moved from his chair, or even dared look at her again. These were not the kinds of answers he'd wanted. These were not the kinds of decisions he'd wanted to make. How could he? It seemed an impossible task.
He turned his head to rest it on his knees while looking at Bree. "No matter what... I risk losing you," he whispered. "I don't know what to do."
Sam's last comment caught Hal so off guard that he couldn't help laughing. "Well okay... you are pretty amazing." He grew a little more serious as he looked back at her. "You really are... this would suck a whole lot more without you here." Without warning, his pulse quickened. His nostrils caught a scent of her fragrance, sending an odd set of tingles down his spine, and his eyes locked with hers. He swallowed hard and forced his gaze away, turning to grab another chip to chew on, desperately trying to get his mind back on track. But all of a sudden, he was very aware of how closely he'd sat next to her, as they were touching.
"I know you're right," he finally mentioned. "I know I'm not really losing Alison. It just... feels that way. And I can't help this feeling in the pit of my stomach that this is just the beginning of her pulling away. I can't explain it, I just... know it's going to be a long time before I see her again." He shrugged lamely. "I don't... know what else to focus on."
Axel nodded thoughtfully. "Yeah. I know his mechanic skills would be a great addition around here at the very least. I'll talk to him again to see if he's serious, then have him swing by for an interview with Darrel."
"You wanna let anybody else in on your little secret over here?" Miles had wandered closer and peeked over Ryan's shoulder.
Axel grinned and shook his head. "Nope. Sorry. You'll find out soon, though."
As he walked away, Miles' jaw dropped and he came around to look at Ryan. "Serious? That's it? Come on, we know something's going on. What it is? Leo and me won't tell anybody... promise..."
...It was several hours later. The meeting room in the main Brookshire building was set up to be homey. With carpeted floors, some house plants, a big window, and soft chairs, it was far less stark than other parts of the building. A round coffee table provided space for discussion without it feeling like a meting room. It did still have a formal air about it though, and one that put Gunner on edge. He sat in one of the overstuffed chairs, his feet pulled up so he could hug his knees in a subconscious attempt to comfort himself. Going through the tests had been bad enough... waiting for bad news was even worse.
As the door opened, he glanced up hopefully - and seeing Bree, he wasn't disappointed. Standing up, he walked to her quickly and wrapped his arms around her, burying his face in her shoulder. He was losing track of days, and it felt like forever since he'd seen her.
JT stood back, his heart aching as he watched. Gunner was obviously so very lonely, and Bree missed him so much... they had to figure this out and get him out of here before it destroyed them both.
Dr. Hawks came in directly after, and gave them a few minutes before suggesting they all sit. Gunner's gut twisted into knots as he took the same chair again, making sure Bree sat next to him. He made an effort not to act nervous, but he still had to pull one knee close, and was glad for the warmth of his hoodie.
Dr. Hawks started by explaining the tests they'd run, and used a whole bunch of words Gunner didn't understand, which JT helped clarify. "...even though it's not one hundred percent, they think they found what could be causing some of your issues," Dr. Hawks concluded.
Gunner swallowed hard. "What?"
"Well, Dr. Easton thinks there's actually a bone fragment that's loose and putting pressure on this area here." Dr. Hawks set a print out of a brain scan on the coffee table, and pointed to where a particular area was circled.
"A bone fragment?" JT blinked. "From what?"
Dr. Hawks shook his head. "Easton isn't positive, but he thinks it's from along the edge where the metal plate is. He said most likely it has nothing to do with the original injury, but that it could have been cause by any kind of trauma after that." He looked to Gunner. "I imagine in your line of work, you've taken a tumble or two?"
Gunner nodded slowly. "Yeah... I guess. I mean... I've gotten knocked around a bit."
"Mmhmm. Easton believes at some point, you had a concussion that maybe you didn't even know about - or you did, but it didn't cause enough trouble at the time for further investigation. That, combined with natural aging could cause issues around the original injury."
Gunner was still confused. He scrunched his eyes shut as he tried to think - which wasn't as easy as it should be with the meds they currently had him on - which frustrated him to no end. "So what... what does that mean anyway?"
"Well, nothing is for certain, but Easton believes if there's a bone fragment that's pressing against - or causing damage to - this particular nerve center, that could be causing a lot of your instability." He paused, letting that sink in for a moment. "You know the little voice that tells us not to touch a stove when it's hot? That area of the brain contributes to that common sense."
JT sat back in his chair, the wheels in his mind turning from a medical standpoint. "So that would also influence decisions like disappearing without telling anyone... or stepping off a ledge."
"Precisely."
Gunner sank down a little further in his chair and his eyes shifted over to Bree. There was actually a medical reason he'd been doing all those things?
"Gunner, we've talked about your obsessive compulsive disorder," Dr. Hawks continued. "It may manifest itself somewhat differently than most patients, but that's basically what has caused a lot of your anxiety surrounding your past. Dr. Easton agrees with me that this condition could have been brought on by your original accident. Most likely you didn't suffer from OCD at all as a teenager, but now it's something you'll need to deal with the rest of your life."
Gunner's gaze fell to the floor and he shifted uncomfortably. Being diagnosed with a form of OCD wasn't something he liked to think about, especially since he knew that's what caused him to obsess about his parents' death over and over and over again.
Dr. Hawks shook his head. "I think you also have a tendency towards depression which can also be hard to battle since yours is a chemical imbalance. However... if what Dr. Easton is saying is true - then that explains why you've felt so out of control. Why you've moved beyond the psychological battle of obsessive behavior, and into the realm of actually making poor decisions. You don't really want to kill yourself, but that little voice in the back of you mind has quite literally been turned off."
"You think." JT remained realistic.
"Yes. The tests alone cannot confirm Easton's guess, but it's a good guess."
"What would you suggest then?"
Dr. Hawks sighed. "The only way to know for certain if that's what's happening - and to fix it - is surgery."
Gunner's blood rain cold. "Brain surgery?"
"Yes." Dr. Hawks knew it was best to just give it to him straight. "It would be exploratory. But if a fragment is actually found, they would remove it and also see about any repairs that might need to be done."
Gunner's other leg came up so he was hugging both of them again.
JT saw his fear and it made his heart hurt all the more. They needed the whole picture though, and as a doctor, he knew there were many risks involved. And they needed to be stated out loud. "And the risks?"
Dr. Hawks pursed his lips grimly. "I'm sure you would gain more information from talking to Dr. Easton himself. There's a lot of medical terminology and explanations he could go over with you about all of this. But the one thing he did mention to me was the risk of losing fine motor skills, and possible memory loss."
Gunner's head shot up. Was he serious? They wanted him to have surgery where he could come out of it, even worse off than he was?
"Why those two areas?" JT questioned.
"The medical science is beyond me," Dr. Hawks admitted. "But Easton talked about the different areas of the brain that would be affected by the procedure. Because of how they would have to go in and remove a fragment, it would pass through more than one area that could affect him. And... as we all know... sometimes the brain reacts very differently than anticipated."
"So I could end up a vegetable." Gunner's eyes flashed with a mixture of fear and anger. "You think it's a better idea to end up like that than where I am now?"
Dr. Hawks remained calm, used to Gunner's outbursts. "Dr. Easton is confident the consequences would not be that severe."
"Unless something goes wrong."
"Yes. I won't lie to you. Everyone here knows good and well how risky any kind of surgery is, and how much more risky any kind of brain surgery is. Best case scenario is no further damage, and a clear road to recovery that would begin the instant the fragment is removed." Dr. Hawks paused. "If there is a fragment in there... leaving it in will just worsen your condition over time, and eventually even more damage will be caused. Surgery is a risk - but doing nothing could be fatal..."
...The room was quiet. Gunner and Bree had been left alone, and Gunner hadn't moved from his chair, or even dared look at her again. These were not the kinds of answers he'd wanted. These were not the kinds of decisions he'd wanted to make. How could he? It seemed an impossible task.
He turned his head to rest it on his knees while looking at Bree. "No matter what... I risk losing you," he whispered. "I don't know what to do."
Sam's last comment caught Hal so off guard that he couldn't help laughing. "Well okay... you are pretty amazing." He grew a little more serious as he looked back at her. "You really are... this would suck a whole lot more without you here." Without warning, his pulse quickened. His nostrils caught a scent of her fragrance, sending an odd set of tingles down his spine, and his eyes locked with hers. He swallowed hard and forced his gaze away, turning to grab another chip to chew on, desperately trying to get his mind back on track. But all of a sudden, he was very aware of how closely he'd sat next to her, as they were touching.
"I know you're right," he finally mentioned. "I know I'm not really losing Alison. It just... feels that way. And I can't help this feeling in the pit of my stomach that this is just the beginning of her pulling away. I can't explain it, I just... know it's going to be a long time before I see her again." He shrugged lamely. "I don't... know what else to focus on."
Axel nodded thoughtfully. "Yeah. I know his mechanic skills would be a great addition around here at the very least. I'll talk to him again to see if he's serious, then have him swing by for an interview with Darrel."
"You wanna let anybody else in on your little secret over here?" Miles had wandered closer and peeked over Ryan's shoulder.
Axel grinned and shook his head. "Nope. Sorry. You'll find out soon, though."
As he walked away, Miles' jaw dropped and he came around to look at Ryan. "Serious? That's it? Come on, we know something's going on. What it is? Leo and me won't tell anybody... promise..."
Amazing
Ryan smiled again before giving a soft play punch to Axel's arm at his comment. At least they could all joke around with no hard feelings. Maybe that's what she liked about their group at the shop. Sometimes it really didn't feel like work with there joking and antics.
Hearing his comment about Zan Ryan thought for a long moment. She didn't really know him all that well but since working with him on his car she didn't have any beef with him either. Might take some getting use to but she didn't see why he couldn't find a place here.
"I think he would fit in well once the other guys get used to him. I haven't really been around him enough to know for sure, but I think it could be worth a shot."
Quiet for a long second Sam finished off her taco focusing on the tv. She heard what Hal has said and was trying to process everything. She still felt badly for him and wished there was more she could do.
"You're not losing everything. I know it might fell that way but your not. The only way you are going to lose your daughter is if you hold on too tight. Her moving is not the end."
Taking a sip of her own drink and then reaching for another chip Sam shifted a little to see Hal better. Giving a small smiled.
"Tomorrow will look better if you only want it too. Personally, I think you have a lot of things to look forward too. Hearing all the new stories about Allison and what she is doing, working with me because you know I am amazing.."
Hearing her Uncle on the other line Bree furrowed her brows. She wondered what they could have found on Gunner's tests and at the same time she worried, but hope it was something that could be fixed to help him too.
"I'm ready to go anytime when you are."
Bree didn't want to wait. If it was something important, something that could help Gunner, and something to bring him home she wanted ti to be known as soon as possible. They had already waited to long not to know.
Hearing his comment about Zan Ryan thought for a long moment. She didn't really know him all that well but since working with him on his car she didn't have any beef with him either. Might take some getting use to but she didn't see why he couldn't find a place here.
"I think he would fit in well once the other guys get used to him. I haven't really been around him enough to know for sure, but I think it could be worth a shot."
Quiet for a long second Sam finished off her taco focusing on the tv. She heard what Hal has said and was trying to process everything. She still felt badly for him and wished there was more she could do.
"You're not losing everything. I know it might fell that way but your not. The only way you are going to lose your daughter is if you hold on too tight. Her moving is not the end."
Taking a sip of her own drink and then reaching for another chip Sam shifted a little to see Hal better. Giving a small smiled.
"Tomorrow will look better if you only want it too. Personally, I think you have a lot of things to look forward too. Hearing all the new stories about Allison and what she is doing, working with me because you know I am amazing.."
Hearing her Uncle on the other line Bree furrowed her brows. She wondered what they could have found on Gunner's tests and at the same time she worried, but hope it was something that could be fixed to help him too.
"I'm ready to go anytime when you are."
Bree didn't want to wait. If it was something important, something that could help Gunner, and something to bring him home she wanted ti to be known as soon as possible. They had already waited to long not to know.
May 9, 2017
Tests
Axel laughed again and shook his head. "Not as long as you stay in line." He tossed her a wink. Starting to walk away, he stopped, remembering something. "Oh, I also mentioned Zan to Darrel, and he thinks if Zan's good enough, he could very well be my replacement. You've seen him work with his own car... what do you think? Not just as a mechanic, but would he fit in here?"
Hal thought about Sam's question for a moment, and he leaned his head back as he chewed his food. Did she really want to know? He shrugged. "Okay... I'm doing lousy." He finished his taco and tossed the wrapper onto the table, quiet for a few more minutes. "I feel like a failure. I'm angry. And I'm depressed. All I wanna do is fly to Florida and keep Alison from getting on that plane to England, but I know I can't. I'd get arrested, and besides that... she doesn't want to stay here anyway."
Turning his head to look at Sam, he found her face just inches from his own. Had her eyes always been so deep? He swallowed hard before looking away again. And all of a sudden, he was quite aware of how closely they were sitting next to each other.
"So there you have it," he concluded lamely. "Story of my life - think I've got it all, just to have it taken away, little by little." He reached for his drink, just to give him an excuse to pause. "I'm sure things will look better tomorrow... they always do... right?"
"Bree?" JT knew she was working, but also knew this was important, and didn't want to make it wait until later. It was early afternoon already, so another couple hours and it would already be close to evening.
He held his phone to his ear as he moved about the break room at the hospital, making himself some coffee. "I just go word from Brookshire. They found something in Gunner's tests but wouldn't discuss it over the phone. They said Gunner didn't want to hear what it was until you could be there with him..."
Hal thought about Sam's question for a moment, and he leaned his head back as he chewed his food. Did she really want to know? He shrugged. "Okay... I'm doing lousy." He finished his taco and tossed the wrapper onto the table, quiet for a few more minutes. "I feel like a failure. I'm angry. And I'm depressed. All I wanna do is fly to Florida and keep Alison from getting on that plane to England, but I know I can't. I'd get arrested, and besides that... she doesn't want to stay here anyway."
Turning his head to look at Sam, he found her face just inches from his own. Had her eyes always been so deep? He swallowed hard before looking away again. And all of a sudden, he was quite aware of how closely they were sitting next to each other.
"So there you have it," he concluded lamely. "Story of my life - think I've got it all, just to have it taken away, little by little." He reached for his drink, just to give him an excuse to pause. "I'm sure things will look better tomorrow... they always do... right?"
"Bree?" JT knew she was working, but also knew this was important, and didn't want to make it wait until later. It was early afternoon already, so another couple hours and it would already be close to evening.
He held his phone to his ear as he moved about the break room at the hospital, making himself some coffee. "I just go word from Brookshire. They found something in Gunner's tests but wouldn't discuss it over the phone. They said Gunner didn't want to hear what it was until you could be there with him..."
I think
Ryan couldn't help but just let her smile grow. Even if he wasn't going to be working directly with them, he still would be in a way and that made her happy. She was close with Axel, he was one of her really good friends, losing him at work had just felt wrong.
"I think we could handle taking orders from you. As long as you aren't too hard on us."
Taking a bite of her taco Sam just smiled as Hal sat down next to her. She was happy to see him just relax a little even though she knew he was stressed out. She knew she could be stubborn sometimes but that's just how she was.
"Eh, work is work. Nothing exciting going on right now. Kinda quiet. Wyatt is watching over things right now for me while I am here."
Digging into the bag for a chip Sam bumped Hal's arm playfully with her elbow. She wanted to ask how he was but it seemed silly. but maybe it was best to just be straight.
"How are you doing? I'm gonna be guessing not good, but...I want you to tell me."
"I think we could handle taking orders from you. As long as you aren't too hard on us."
Taking a bite of her taco Sam just smiled as Hal sat down next to her. She was happy to see him just relax a little even though she knew he was stressed out. She knew she could be stubborn sometimes but that's just how she was.
"Eh, work is work. Nothing exciting going on right now. Kinda quiet. Wyatt is watching over things right now for me while I am here."
Digging into the bag for a chip Sam bumped Hal's arm playfully with her elbow. She wanted to ask how he was but it seemed silly. but maybe it was best to just be straight.
"How are you doing? I'm gonna be guessing not good, but...I want you to tell me."
Take Orders
Axel nodded, unable to help a light laugh. "Yeah... I won't be working on cars much but I'll be here." Realizing he still had a hold on Ryan's shoulders, he retracted his hands, a little color coming to his face. "I guess Darrel's brother is having health issues, and he's gonna go be closer to him, but he doesn't want to sell the shop. He was gonna ask me about managing it and just hadn't gotten around to it yet."
A smile remained on his face, proving how happy he really was that he wouldn't have to leave the shop completely. "Think you and the guys can take orders from me?"
At first, Hal just sat and watched Sam. She really was serious. She was going to completely ignore the fact that he was in such a sorry state, wasn't she? Without much of an option, he reached in the bag and pulled out a chip to nibble on, showing little interest in what tv program she found to watch.
After a few minutes though, he realized just how antisocial he was being... and she was trying so hard. She deserved more from him than being ignored. Nobody else knew what he was going through, let alone had the gumption to actually come check on him and give him some company.
Heaving a sigh, he slid his foot onto the floor and stood up. Grabbing the bag of food, he sat down again, this time right next to Sam so they were touching, and put the bag half on her lap, half on his. "You're impossible," he muttered. Taking out a taco, he unwrapped it and took a bite, unwilling to admit how good it tasted... or maybe he was just that hungry. He put his feet up on the coffee table before nudging her knee with his leg. "How are things at the office?"
A smile remained on his face, proving how happy he really was that he wouldn't have to leave the shop completely. "Think you and the guys can take orders from me?"
At first, Hal just sat and watched Sam. She really was serious. She was going to completely ignore the fact that he was in such a sorry state, wasn't she? Without much of an option, he reached in the bag and pulled out a chip to nibble on, showing little interest in what tv program she found to watch.
After a few minutes though, he realized just how antisocial he was being... and she was trying so hard. She deserved more from him than being ignored. Nobody else knew what he was going through, let alone had the gumption to actually come check on him and give him some company.
Heaving a sigh, he slid his foot onto the floor and stood up. Grabbing the bag of food, he sat down again, this time right next to Sam so they were touching, and put the bag half on her lap, half on his. "You're impossible," he muttered. Taking out a taco, he unwrapped it and took a bite, unwilling to admit how good it tasted... or maybe he was just that hungry. He put his feet up on the coffee table before nudging her knee with his leg. "How are things at the office?"
May 8, 2017
With Us!
"Nope, sure haven't."
Sitting down next to Hal it was almost like she had been there a million times. She knew he as upset by his face, and she could guess he was more than likely embarrassed too. So acting normal, seemed the best thing to do honestly.
"So we got lots of tacos, and nachos. Dig in and have as much as you like."
Moving one of the drinks towards him Sam picked up the TV remote and turned the tv on trying to find something good. Giving Hal a glance she smiled before taking a bite of her own taco.
Finishing up the car she had been working on Ryan was into what she was doing that she didn't even hear Axel come up behind her. As he turned her around and pulled her into a hug she just stood there for a long moment almost frozen. Axel was actually hugging her? He was not the most touchy person in the world so it was a big of a shock. After the shock faded Ryan slowly put her arms around him.
As he pulled away Ryan searched his face for a long moment. Seeing the light in his eyes she wondered what on earth was going on. Was he that excited about leaving?
"What on earth...."
As Alex told her the new Ryan's eyes lit up. She was sad Darrel was leaving them, she liked her boss, but she was more excited that this meant Axel could stay too.
"So that means you get to stay with us!!!!!!"
Hearing her dad's comment about Jason Katie caught the joking tone but it was also laced with something else too. Letting out a small sigh she looked at her dad and smiled anyways giving a nod.
"That sounds like a great idea to me. I haven't been riding in a while."
Sitting down next to Hal it was almost like she had been there a million times. She knew he as upset by his face, and she could guess he was more than likely embarrassed too. So acting normal, seemed the best thing to do honestly.
"So we got lots of tacos, and nachos. Dig in and have as much as you like."
Moving one of the drinks towards him Sam picked up the TV remote and turned the tv on trying to find something good. Giving Hal a glance she smiled before taking a bite of her own taco.
Finishing up the car she had been working on Ryan was into what she was doing that she didn't even hear Axel come up behind her. As he turned her around and pulled her into a hug she just stood there for a long moment almost frozen. Axel was actually hugging her? He was not the most touchy person in the world so it was a big of a shock. After the shock faded Ryan slowly put her arms around him.
As he pulled away Ryan searched his face for a long moment. Seeing the light in his eyes she wondered what on earth was going on. Was he that excited about leaving?
"What on earth...."
As Alex told her the new Ryan's eyes lit up. She was sad Darrel was leaving them, she liked her boss, but she was more excited that this meant Axel could stay too.
"So that means you get to stay with us!!!!!!"
Hearing her dad's comment about Jason Katie caught the joking tone but it was also laced with something else too. Letting out a small sigh she looked at her dad and smiled anyways giving a nod.
"That sounds like a great idea to me. I haven't been riding in a while."
Management
Hal's eyes cracked open. Was that a knock at the door? He heard it again. Who on earth would be coming? It wouldn't be anyone from work - they would have called. He didn't even want to get up. But after a few moments, he finally decided he better see who it was, just out of common courtesy.
After rolling out of bed, he shuffled to the door and opened it, half expecting a salesman. Seeing Sam instead though, he just paused all train of thought. Leaning on the door, he rested his head against it and just looked at her for a few silent moments. She was dressed for work - she'd come from the office. She was holding food and drinks - she'd stopped on her way here. She'd left the office just to come check on him.
He sighed and gave her the best smile he could, which wasn't much, but at least he tried in spite of the dimness of his eyes. "Hi..." He backed away from the door so she could come in, and wandered into the living room where he sank down on the couch at an angle. He pulled one foot up and wrapped his arms around his leg, leaning his head back in the cushion. "Didn't get your fill of me yesterday?" he mused quietly. If he were honest, he was embarrassed. He knew he should have just gone to work today, and he was sulking miserably. He just... didn't feel like he could crawl out of his sudden slump just yet.
Axel gave Ryan a small smile. "Eh... maybe it'll be a better kind of different around here... you never know." He paused as if to say more, but then simply turned to leave. There really was a lot more he could say - he and Ryan were...closer friends than others might think. Just because they didn't talk much didn't mean they didn't have a uniquely close relationship. But today... talking more would just make this harder.
He was gone from the shop for at least half an hour - an odd amount of time to simply give his notice. And when he finally returned, his eyes were surprisingly bright. He made a beeline for Ryan again, not caring that she was still working on the car. Taking her shoulders and turning her to face him, he wrapped his arms around her without warning, giving her a tight hug. It was such an unusual move that the other guys all stopped what they were doing to stare. Axel hardly ever touched anyone, let alone gave someone a hug, let alone a woman.
Drawing back, a smile was on Axel's face. He left his hands on Ryan's shoulders, the happiness showing in his eyes. "You're not getting rid of me yet," he explained quietly. "Darrel doesn't want many people to know, but he's moving, and he needs someone to take over management of J&J's..."
Jeff caught Katie's eye roll, and gave a little sigh. He knew she probably thought he was just being an overprotective parent, but he had a right to worry about her. "Wait, what?" He glanced around the surrounding area. "You sure your boyfriend isn't hiding around here close by, waiting to join us?" He was teasing, but at the same time, he unintentionally let some of his true feelings slip out. "How about saddling up? We haven't ridden together in a long time."
The mare rubbed her head against Katie, and Jeff chuckled. "No, you've had your workout already," he chided the horse. "Hawk hasn't though." He glanced at Katie again. "What'dya say?"
After rolling out of bed, he shuffled to the door and opened it, half expecting a salesman. Seeing Sam instead though, he just paused all train of thought. Leaning on the door, he rested his head against it and just looked at her for a few silent moments. She was dressed for work - she'd come from the office. She was holding food and drinks - she'd stopped on her way here. She'd left the office just to come check on him.
He sighed and gave her the best smile he could, which wasn't much, but at least he tried in spite of the dimness of his eyes. "Hi..." He backed away from the door so she could come in, and wandered into the living room where he sank down on the couch at an angle. He pulled one foot up and wrapped his arms around his leg, leaning his head back in the cushion. "Didn't get your fill of me yesterday?" he mused quietly. If he were honest, he was embarrassed. He knew he should have just gone to work today, and he was sulking miserably. He just... didn't feel like he could crawl out of his sudden slump just yet.
Axel gave Ryan a small smile. "Eh... maybe it'll be a better kind of different around here... you never know." He paused as if to say more, but then simply turned to leave. There really was a lot more he could say - he and Ryan were...closer friends than others might think. Just because they didn't talk much didn't mean they didn't have a uniquely close relationship. But today... talking more would just make this harder.
He was gone from the shop for at least half an hour - an odd amount of time to simply give his notice. And when he finally returned, his eyes were surprisingly bright. He made a beeline for Ryan again, not caring that she was still working on the car. Taking her shoulders and turning her to face him, he wrapped his arms around her without warning, giving her a tight hug. It was such an unusual move that the other guys all stopped what they were doing to stare. Axel hardly ever touched anyone, let alone gave someone a hug, let alone a woman.
Drawing back, a smile was on Axel's face. He left his hands on Ryan's shoulders, the happiness showing in his eyes. "You're not getting rid of me yet," he explained quietly. "Darrel doesn't want many people to know, but he's moving, and he needs someone to take over management of J&J's..."
Jeff caught Katie's eye roll, and gave a little sigh. He knew she probably thought he was just being an overprotective parent, but he had a right to worry about her. "Wait, what?" He glanced around the surrounding area. "You sure your boyfriend isn't hiding around here close by, waiting to join us?" He was teasing, but at the same time, he unintentionally let some of his true feelings slip out. "How about saddling up? We haven't ridden together in a long time."
The mare rubbed her head against Katie, and Jeff chuckled. "No, you've had your workout already," he chided the horse. "Hawk hasn't though." He glanced at Katie again. "What'dya say?"
Without You
Looking up as Wyatt came into the office Sam took her feet off the desk. Was it really lunch time already? The morning had been uneventful but still seemed to fly by. That was a good and bad thing she guessed.
"Oh yeah if you could that would be great. Nothing really exciting going on. Aaron's door is open and he's free to move around as he pleases as long as he doesn't leave or cause trouble. Other then that nothing else going on."
Getting everything together Sam was thankful again he was covering for her. Making a quick stop at the taco stand on the way to Hal's. Walking up to the door with the bag of food and some drinks she tapped on the door and wanted. She was sure Hal was ok but she just wanted to make sure, and make sure he was eating too.
Looking up from the car she had been working on Ryan's smile faded a little. She knew it would be coming and something about today just seemed to tell her it was the day, but it still hurt thinking about not having Axel at work anymore.
"It's just not going to be the same without you around here you know?!"
Ryan fiddled with the wrench in her hand. She new Axel already knew that but it was really true.
"Thanks for letting me know."
Smiling at her dad she rolled her eyes too. He was a worry wart, but maybe that was his job to do that. She couldn't fault him for that. At least he cared about her.
"I'm doing exactly like Rick said, on the mend. It's just going to take time. I think some days will be better than others."
Jumping down from the fence and petting the horse's neck Katie smile before nuzzling her face into the horse. She missed the smell of them, honestly she missed this place.
"Want to go for a ride, or talk a walk? You have me all to yourself till this afternoon?"
"Oh yeah if you could that would be great. Nothing really exciting going on. Aaron's door is open and he's free to move around as he pleases as long as he doesn't leave or cause trouble. Other then that nothing else going on."
Getting everything together Sam was thankful again he was covering for her. Making a quick stop at the taco stand on the way to Hal's. Walking up to the door with the bag of food and some drinks she tapped on the door and wanted. She was sure Hal was ok but she just wanted to make sure, and make sure he was eating too.
Looking up from the car she had been working on Ryan's smile faded a little. She knew it would be coming and something about today just seemed to tell her it was the day, but it still hurt thinking about not having Axel at work anymore.
"It's just not going to be the same without you around here you know?!"
Ryan fiddled with the wrench in her hand. She new Axel already knew that but it was really true.
"Thanks for letting me know."
Smiling at her dad she rolled her eyes too. He was a worry wart, but maybe that was his job to do that. She couldn't fault him for that. At least he cared about her.
"I'm doing exactly like Rick said, on the mend. It's just going to take time. I think some days will be better than others."
Jumping down from the fence and petting the horse's neck Katie smile before nuzzling her face into the horse. She missed the smell of them, honestly she missed this place.
"Want to go for a ride, or talk a walk? You have me all to yourself till this afternoon?"
May 7, 2017
Two Weeks
JT nodded and gave Bree another squeeze. "Me too. And he'll get there... we just all have to be patient."
It wouldn't be until the next day that he would take the two hour trip to Brookshire...
"You have to!"
"No, I don't!"
"You do if you want to get better!"
Gunner glared at JT as he paced in a small circle inside the confines of his little room. His bare feet scuffed the floor and he kept his hands safely tucked in his pocket. "I am better! But nobody will let me out of here!"
JT sighed and sank down to sit on the edge of the bed. He'd been coached by Justin on how to handle Gunner, but in the end, how he chose to speak to his friend was up to him. "You need these tests so we can figure out what's going on."
"I don't need them!"
"There is something wrong with you, Gunner!" JT's voice rose again. "Don't you want to be fixed?"
Gunner stopped his pacing and leaned back against the wall before sinking down to the floor. "What if... I can't be fixed?"
JT's expression changed to one of compassion. "We won't know anything until we start eliminating possibilities. And the first step is some simple tests that can tell us a lot."
Gunner sat in silence for some very long moments until he eventually nodded. "Okay," he whispered.
JT breathed a sigh of relief. At least now he wouldn't have to force the issue or take charge of Gunner legally. "I'll talk with the other doctors and have things set up."
Left alone again, Gunner just remained on the floor, and wrapped his arms around his legs, bending to rest his chin on his knees. It didn't used to be that easy... he must have lost some weight. He closed his eyes and tried to imagine he was far away... maybe on a nice big, warm rock at the edge of the lake, soaking in the sunshine and hearing the gentle lapping of the water.
"Knock knock." Wyatt wandered into the security room, chewing his mouthful of sandwich, half of which was still in his hand.
He nodded to Sam. "I'm available if you still needed to leave for a while." He glanced at the monitors. "Anything I should know?"
Hal wasn't sure how long he stayed outside, but he finally wandered back in, only to wind up on his bed. His stomach growled, complaining that it hadn't been fed breakfast or lunch, but he ignored it. Lying on his side, he curled around a pillow and just wanted to sleep... sleep it all away.
Axel had been working quietly all morning. That in itself wasn't unusual, but there was an odd sense of tension around him today, and the others knew well enough just to give him space.
As he finished the car he'd been working on though, he wandered slowly over to where Ryan was working. They'd still been together to fix Zan's car, but there had been no more mention of him leaving this job. Unfortunately... today was the day.
He leaned on the open engine until Ryan was at a stopping place, and he gave her a sad look. "I'm going to go in the office and talk to Darrel." He kept his voice down so the guys wouldn't hear. "I promised I'd let you know... I'm gonna give him two weeks notice."
Not having realized Katie was there, Jeff jumped, almost starting the young mare, too. He turned around and grinned, shaking his head. "Naw. Mick's the guru around here. I'm just the hired hand."
He coiled up the extra rope, the mare obediently approaching slowly, worn out from her exercise. Jeff came over to lean on the fence next to Katie and looked up at her out from under the brim of his hat. He studied her a moment, almost skeptically. "You look better today... Rick said you and Jason were on the mend... or at least on the road to recovering." He cocked his head. "How are you really doing?"
It wouldn't be until the next day that he would take the two hour trip to Brookshire...
"You have to!"
"No, I don't!"
"You do if you want to get better!"
Gunner glared at JT as he paced in a small circle inside the confines of his little room. His bare feet scuffed the floor and he kept his hands safely tucked in his pocket. "I am better! But nobody will let me out of here!"
JT sighed and sank down to sit on the edge of the bed. He'd been coached by Justin on how to handle Gunner, but in the end, how he chose to speak to his friend was up to him. "You need these tests so we can figure out what's going on."
"I don't need them!"
"There is something wrong with you, Gunner!" JT's voice rose again. "Don't you want to be fixed?"
Gunner stopped his pacing and leaned back against the wall before sinking down to the floor. "What if... I can't be fixed?"
JT's expression changed to one of compassion. "We won't know anything until we start eliminating possibilities. And the first step is some simple tests that can tell us a lot."
Gunner sat in silence for some very long moments until he eventually nodded. "Okay," he whispered.
JT breathed a sigh of relief. At least now he wouldn't have to force the issue or take charge of Gunner legally. "I'll talk with the other doctors and have things set up."
Left alone again, Gunner just remained on the floor, and wrapped his arms around his legs, bending to rest his chin on his knees. It didn't used to be that easy... he must have lost some weight. He closed his eyes and tried to imagine he was far away... maybe on a nice big, warm rock at the edge of the lake, soaking in the sunshine and hearing the gentle lapping of the water.
"Knock knock." Wyatt wandered into the security room, chewing his mouthful of sandwich, half of which was still in his hand.
He nodded to Sam. "I'm available if you still needed to leave for a while." He glanced at the monitors. "Anything I should know?"
Hal wasn't sure how long he stayed outside, but he finally wandered back in, only to wind up on his bed. His stomach growled, complaining that it hadn't been fed breakfast or lunch, but he ignored it. Lying on his side, he curled around a pillow and just wanted to sleep... sleep it all away.
Axel had been working quietly all morning. That in itself wasn't unusual, but there was an odd sense of tension around him today, and the others knew well enough just to give him space.
As he finished the car he'd been working on though, he wandered slowly over to where Ryan was working. They'd still been together to fix Zan's car, but there had been no more mention of him leaving this job. Unfortunately... today was the day.
He leaned on the open engine until Ryan was at a stopping place, and he gave her a sad look. "I'm going to go in the office and talk to Darrel." He kept his voice down so the guys wouldn't hear. "I promised I'd let you know... I'm gonna give him two weeks notice."
Not having realized Katie was there, Jeff jumped, almost starting the young mare, too. He turned around and grinned, shaking his head. "Naw. Mick's the guru around here. I'm just the hired hand."
He coiled up the extra rope, the mare obediently approaching slowly, worn out from her exercise. Jeff came over to lean on the fence next to Katie and looked up at her out from under the brim of his hat. He studied her a moment, almost skeptically. "You look better today... Rick said you and Jason were on the mend... or at least on the road to recovering." He cocked his head. "How are you really doing?"
Always
Just looking down at her hand like her Uncle said Bree looked at her ring and took it in for a long moment. She hoped nothing would change, or Gunner wouldn't change is mind. She would never stop loving him and wanted to spend the rest of her life with him, this all was just so hard.
"Ok, maybe you can get him to do them. I just want him to be better."
The walk back with Jason was nice. As they stopped again and he mentioned both there families Katie gave a small sigh. She guessed he was right even if she really didn't want to be away from him at the moment. She knew her dad was going to want some time with her and she really did want to spend some time with him too.
"I guess we should go our ways here, and just meet back in a bit. I don't want my dad to think I am avoiding him."
Giving Jason a kiss she broke off for him looking for her dad. Finding him in the round ring working a horse Katie got up on the fence and sat just watching. After he was done doing something she clapped.
"I always thought you were the best with the horses."
"Ok, maybe you can get him to do them. I just want him to be better."
The walk back with Jason was nice. As they stopped again and he mentioned both there families Katie gave a small sigh. She guessed he was right even if she really didn't want to be away from him at the moment. She knew her dad was going to want some time with her and she really did want to spend some time with him too.
"I guess we should go our ways here, and just meet back in a bit. I don't want my dad to think I am avoiding him."
Giving Jason a kiss she broke off for him looking for her dad. Finding him in the round ring working a horse Katie got up on the fence and sat just watching. After he was done doing something she clapped.
"I always thought you were the best with the horses."
Bent Out of Shape
Seeing how upset Bree was getting, JT slid closer and put his arm around her shoulders. "Hey, hey... it's okay. You don't have to do anything, alright? And Gunner's not gonna hate you." He reached down and picked up her hand, looking at her engagement ring. "See this? That's not gonna change, okay? If he's cranky or pushes you away, it's only because he feels he's not good enough, and he hates putting you through this... not because he hates you or doesn't love you."
He wiped away one of her tears and kissed the top of her head. "I'll take care of this. I'll go and talk to him myself about the tests, okay? I really think it should be done... if anything shows up, there could be some real answers for him."
Zan dropped his hand... reluctantly, as he smiled. "Goodnight." Finally he turned and wandered back to his car and headed home. Instead of getting there though, he ended up stopping off at The Griller where Jett and some other race buddies were.
"Hey, man... you're alive!"
Zan grinned as he joined them at the bar. "Why wouldn't I be?"
Jett smirked as he sipped his beer. "Well I's just been textin' ya all evenin'. I's 'bout ready t' come an' look fer ya."
Zan quirked an eyebrow and glanced at Tim. "How long's he been here?"
"Eh. Couple hours, I guess."
Zan sighed. Not that he could judge. He enjoyed a good fun evening with the boys every once in a while, but usually he tried to avoid getting tipsy just because he always hated himself the next morning. Jett, on the other hand, just wouldn't learn. "Want me to give you a ride home?"
"Naw." Jett shook his head. "I dunno where I'ma end up anyhow."
"Ronnie again?"
Jett shrugged and downed the rest of his beer. He waved for another one, but Zan shook his head at Leroy before looking back at his friend. "You can crash with me," he relented with another sigh. This had to stop at some point. He nodded a thanks to Leroy who brought him his usual vanilla pepsi.
"So where ya been?" Jett questioned.
"Oh. Just hanging with Destiny. I left my phone in the car all evening. Sorry."
Jett quirked an eyebrow and stifled a belch. "Dang. Surprised yer here at'll and not still with her." He elbowed Zan suggestively.
Zan just shook his head. There was no point in explaining yet again that Destiny was a better woman than that. Besides, Jett wasn't thinking straight anyway.
"So who's this Destiny?" Tim questioned, grinning.
Zan swiveled on the bar stool and smiled. "A girl."
"And?"
"And what?"
"Well, details, man! You got the smile of a guy who's on cupid's list."
Zan chuckled and took a sip of his pepsi before he shook his head. "We just met." Had it really only been a few days? A week maybe? It seemed like so much longer. "But she's an amazing woman."
Tim kept grinning, but knew better than to prod for more information.
Zan stayed a while longer, more to keep an eye on Jett than anything, and did convince him to let him drive him home. It was late by the time they were back at his apartment and Jett was flopping down on the couch to sleep off his evening excitement. Zan took his time getting ready for bed, eventually sinking his head down in his pillow to stare up at the dark ceiling. He couldn't help it that his mind wandered back to Destiny again. Or that it put a smile on his face. Cupid? That was hogwash. But there was definitely something about her he liked.
"Yeah, maybe." Jason ambled slowly next to Katie, and gave her hand a squeeze. "Feels kinda odd that he'd want this out of the blue. But maybe he's right. Maybe there aren't many places he really wants to go. Maybe he's thought about this longer than we think." He couldn't imagine Mick giving his approval though. For multiple reasons.
As they reached the ranch yard, he came to a halt again and sighed. "Well... I know my mom is feeling left out... and I'm pretty sure your dad is too... think we ought to part ways and go spend time with them before they get too bent out of shape?"
"You did what?" Mick's voice was calm, but his eyes flashed as he looked at his son. They stood in the break room in the barn and Dylan had just told him that he'd asked Katie and Jason about joining the Elite.
Dylan held his head high. "They're going to talk to Reese and put in a good word for me."
"What are you thinking?" Mick blinked and crossed his arms with displeasure. "What ever possessed you to even suggest something like that?"
Dylan swallowed hard. "I'm tired of feeling stuck."
"Stuck? Here? Since when?"
"Since coming here!" Dylan threw up his hands. "I don't know if I can stay here the rest of my life. But where else am I going to go? College? What, with a bodyguard? Where else? You know as well as I do, there is nowhere else."
Mick shook his head stubbornly. "That is no reason to go gallivanting off to the Elite! You can't just decide to go into law enforcement because you think there aren't any other options. It's something you have to really want to do."
"You just don't want me to be out of your sight."
"That's not true!"
"Isn't it?"
Mick took a deep breath, letting it out slowly. "You are not old enough to-"
"To what?" Dylan's eyes narrowed. "Make up my own mind? Be a man? Drive? Get off drugs? Take a woman? How about-"
"That's enough!" Mick barked. It pained his heart more than he would ever be able to express to think about all his son had been through, and how much more quickly he had grown up than he should have. He took a moment to try and calm himself down, glancing at the floor as his hands went to his hips. "Do you seriously want this, or are you just trying to find a way out of here?"
Dylan's jaw tightened. "Both. I don't expect you to like it, support it, or even give a grudging blessing. All I ask is that you don't right Reese if he accepts me. If he doesn't, you don't have a thing to worry about. But if he does... just let me go."
Mick stared at his son for several long, silent moments before he shook his head and simply left the room.
Dylan remained a while longer to calm down before leaving. But instead of going back to the stalls he was cleaning, he went to the tack room. Finding it empty, he sat down on a bench in the dark and simply sat... feeling even more alone.
He wiped away one of her tears and kissed the top of her head. "I'll take care of this. I'll go and talk to him myself about the tests, okay? I really think it should be done... if anything shows up, there could be some real answers for him."
Zan dropped his hand... reluctantly, as he smiled. "Goodnight." Finally he turned and wandered back to his car and headed home. Instead of getting there though, he ended up stopping off at The Griller where Jett and some other race buddies were.
"Hey, man... you're alive!"
Zan grinned as he joined them at the bar. "Why wouldn't I be?"
Jett smirked as he sipped his beer. "Well I's just been textin' ya all evenin'. I's 'bout ready t' come an' look fer ya."
Zan quirked an eyebrow and glanced at Tim. "How long's he been here?"
"Eh. Couple hours, I guess."
Zan sighed. Not that he could judge. He enjoyed a good fun evening with the boys every once in a while, but usually he tried to avoid getting tipsy just because he always hated himself the next morning. Jett, on the other hand, just wouldn't learn. "Want me to give you a ride home?"
"Naw." Jett shook his head. "I dunno where I'ma end up anyhow."
"Ronnie again?"
Jett shrugged and downed the rest of his beer. He waved for another one, but Zan shook his head at Leroy before looking back at his friend. "You can crash with me," he relented with another sigh. This had to stop at some point. He nodded a thanks to Leroy who brought him his usual vanilla pepsi.
"So where ya been?" Jett questioned.
"Oh. Just hanging with Destiny. I left my phone in the car all evening. Sorry."
Jett quirked an eyebrow and stifled a belch. "Dang. Surprised yer here at'll and not still with her." He elbowed Zan suggestively.
Zan just shook his head. There was no point in explaining yet again that Destiny was a better woman than that. Besides, Jett wasn't thinking straight anyway.
"So who's this Destiny?" Tim questioned, grinning.
Zan swiveled on the bar stool and smiled. "A girl."
"And?"
"And what?"
"Well, details, man! You got the smile of a guy who's on cupid's list."
Zan chuckled and took a sip of his pepsi before he shook his head. "We just met." Had it really only been a few days? A week maybe? It seemed like so much longer. "But she's an amazing woman."
Tim kept grinning, but knew better than to prod for more information.
Zan stayed a while longer, more to keep an eye on Jett than anything, and did convince him to let him drive him home. It was late by the time they were back at his apartment and Jett was flopping down on the couch to sleep off his evening excitement. Zan took his time getting ready for bed, eventually sinking his head down in his pillow to stare up at the dark ceiling. He couldn't help it that his mind wandered back to Destiny again. Or that it put a smile on his face. Cupid? That was hogwash. But there was definitely something about her he liked.
"Yeah, maybe." Jason ambled slowly next to Katie, and gave her hand a squeeze. "Feels kinda odd that he'd want this out of the blue. But maybe he's right. Maybe there aren't many places he really wants to go. Maybe he's thought about this longer than we think." He couldn't imagine Mick giving his approval though. For multiple reasons.
As they reached the ranch yard, he came to a halt again and sighed. "Well... I know my mom is feeling left out... and I'm pretty sure your dad is too... think we ought to part ways and go spend time with them before they get too bent out of shape?"
"You did what?" Mick's voice was calm, but his eyes flashed as he looked at his son. They stood in the break room in the barn and Dylan had just told him that he'd asked Katie and Jason about joining the Elite.
Dylan held his head high. "They're going to talk to Reese and put in a good word for me."
"What are you thinking?" Mick blinked and crossed his arms with displeasure. "What ever possessed you to even suggest something like that?"
Dylan swallowed hard. "I'm tired of feeling stuck."
"Stuck? Here? Since when?"
"Since coming here!" Dylan threw up his hands. "I don't know if I can stay here the rest of my life. But where else am I going to go? College? What, with a bodyguard? Where else? You know as well as I do, there is nowhere else."
Mick shook his head stubbornly. "That is no reason to go gallivanting off to the Elite! You can't just decide to go into law enforcement because you think there aren't any other options. It's something you have to really want to do."
"You just don't want me to be out of your sight."
"That's not true!"
"Isn't it?"
Mick took a deep breath, letting it out slowly. "You are not old enough to-"
"To what?" Dylan's eyes narrowed. "Make up my own mind? Be a man? Drive? Get off drugs? Take a woman? How about-"
"That's enough!" Mick barked. It pained his heart more than he would ever be able to express to think about all his son had been through, and how much more quickly he had grown up than he should have. He took a moment to try and calm himself down, glancing at the floor as his hands went to his hips. "Do you seriously want this, or are you just trying to find a way out of here?"
Dylan's jaw tightened. "Both. I don't expect you to like it, support it, or even give a grudging blessing. All I ask is that you don't right Reese if he accepts me. If he doesn't, you don't have a thing to worry about. But if he does... just let me go."
Mick stared at his son for several long, silent moments before he shook his head and simply left the room.
Dylan remained a while longer to calm down before leaving. But instead of going back to the stalls he was cleaning, he went to the tack room. Finding it empty, he sat down on a bench in the dark and simply sat... feeling even more alone.
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