omk_hos

Hearts of Stone

pg. 11

    It was a day of dread... at least in his heart, and he was sure it would be in hers as well. He knew they had only been asleep for a couple of hours maybe, but he also knew, no matter how understanding his parents were, it just wouldn't do to have them find her in his bed come morning. It was still outside, and in his heart as well. He wished he could stay in that one moment forever, never having to let go of her. She lay beside him, curled up in slumber against him, wrapped in his embrace. That was where she belonged. He choked back the tears that stung so fiercely. He was determined to be strong, for her. Gently he turned on his side, her breath hitting his throat softly. He snuggled down beside her, his face paralel with hers so he could watch her sleep, just for a few moments longer. Her eyes lay closed, softly her long dark lashes swept over the blush of her fair cheek. He was so close he could see the faint freckles that vexed her so. He had to smile, he rather liked her freckles though she always complained that it made her look ten years old. His eyes caressed the curve of her supple cheek, he knew how it felt under his rough fingertips when he stroked it lovingly, he would miss being able to touch her like that. The pain in his chest tightened and he sucked in a breath to try to aleviate it some. When his gaze fell on her full pale lips he sighed despite himself. That mouth. The way she spoke, how it could send shivers up his spine. The way she held it when she was working at her craft, he found it endearing. The way she kissed him, how she tasted of raspberries, and an underlaying tone of earthyness, to him it was perfection. He wanted so badly to cry. He pushed it back, away from him where it wouldn't taunt him quite so badly. He could hear naught but the quiet tick of his watch and their breaths, synchronized naturally. He knew it was time, time to start letting her go. Go back where she needed to be. He wanted no such part in such a horrible crime, but he had no choice. He had to seperate from her, physically at least. He knew, in his heart, they could never really be seperated. No, their love was far too strong for that. He pulled her bare form closer to himself, reveling in her warmth. With an ache in his very soul, he lay a pained kiss on her lush lips. A kiss to wake her. Wake her to witness the dawn of the worst day of his life thus far. Her eyes fluttered, and she began to kiss him back. He wanted to scream. He didn't want her to wake up. He wanted to keep her to himself. Be selfish, never let the world have her again. She was his damnit! Why did the rest of the world have to be so greedy and want her too? Why couldn't he just have her all to himself. He would share anything else, he just wanted to have her... but he knew better. And that was what killed him inside.
     Slowly her hands crept up over his firm chest, her fingers tangling in his long hair. His tongue begged to enter her mouth, she didn't protest. Their passion began to escape, as it always did, and the kiss grew heated. His hands had a mind of their own as he touched her. He wanted to be able to remember every inch of her body and how it felt under his touch. The longer they kissed the more of her he wanted. Before he knew it he was inching his way above her, her body pressed firmly to the sheet beneath him. Instinctively she spread her legs, the wetness of her sex bringing him fully hard. He groaned as he thrust his hips towards her. Arching her back she moaned lightly, her nails digging into his shoulders. Her voice was so soft he almost didn't hear it as he ran his thick length along her slit.
   "Zac... stop baby stop! I can't take this! Please Zac stop..." She cried. He came to the realization that she was pushing against him, her tears strangling her speech. His chest was heaving, he stopped, his whole body trembling with the effort to stay still. He caught his breath, his want throbbing between his legs. He leaned down on one elbow, tenderly cradling her face in his big hand. He brushed her tears away with the pad of his rough thumb.
   "I'm so sorry baby... I didn't know, I was just so lost in how good you felt..." He tried to appologize. She covered his soft lips with her fingertips to still his words as they tumbled out. She took in a ragged breath before she began.
   "I know... I do... it's just that I can't do this... I made a promise to you and I'm trying so hard to keep it... but I want..."
   "I know... me too..." He sighed, his forehead pressing gently to hers. He rolled off her, not being able to take the close proximity any longer. She snuggled up to him, her knee sliding up his thigh as her hand tickled over his tummy. He chuckled as his arm went around her tighter.
   "I thought you just said..." He started.
   "I know what I said..." She giggled. "I also know what I can handle... and right now I'm gonna handle you." She said slyly.
     His head tossed back a bit as he laughed at her playfulness. Until her little hand wrapped around his hardness.
   "Mmm... baby you make it feel so good." He sighed into her hair. He could feel her smile against his hot skin as she nuzzled her face against him. His whole body stiffened when she started to stroke his steel hard shaft. The only thoughts of his mind were of how simply she could send him into fits of euphoria. His free hand let to the pillow above his head, his rough fingers lightly tracing her delicate jaw in loving gesture.
   "I love you so much Moirah..." He sighed as he turned on his side more, his eyes searching for hers. Electric green. That's what he decided her eyes were when they showed her love for him in her gaze. Then his fingers skimmed over her body, and the hues shifted within her eyes and shot to hell his theory. If he hadn't been so aroused he may have even laughed at that thought. But not now, no, she had him feeling too good to dwell on petty thoughts like that. It slipped away from him like butter melting on a hot pan.
     His fingertip circled her tightening nipple, flicking it to watch it harden more. He licked his lips knowing how sweet her skin tasted on his tongue. He lightly brushed his fingers over the expanse of skin between her rounded firm breasts, down over her soft belly and across the curve of her hip. He pulled her a bit closer, sliding his hand over the back of her thigh and draping her leg over his own hip. Still her hand gently worked at stroking his manhood, sometimes going down to massage his plump balls. She would tease his cockhead and he would close his eyes, biting on his lip at the sensations she was rivoting his body with. Then he spoke softly to her as his fingers skimmed over her wet slit.
   "Moirah, look at me, I want to watch your face, I want to see how much you enjoy this." Her eyes were so dark with desire when she looked up at him, it nearly toook his breath away. He never left her gaze, slowly sliding his long thick fingers into her entrance. She sucked in a breath, her little breathy 'oh!' making his heart pound. Together they set a slow steady loving pace. Their movements as if timed to perfection as they tenderly stroked eachother. His thumb gingerly worked over her clit, swirling small circles over the throbbing nub and making her breathe heavily. The intensity between their eyes was electrifying, they were lost in eachother. Almost at the same time their hips started to sway together, a simulated lovemaking to bring them closer as the pleasure boiled to the top of their souls. It curled through them, like smoke on the wind. That ellusive and fleeting moment when their souls would cry out and reach for one another.
   "Jesus Moirah, I can't hold it back anymore... I'm gonna cum..." He breathed, his fingers sliding against her swollen walls, and thumb working her pleasure to the surface.
   "Mmm... do it baby, do it!" She purred, her hand tightening, her fingers flying over his hard rod, catching on the ridge to make him shudder with the intense need to release his soul. She surprized him when he felt the last shreds of his sanity boil away, she slid the head of his cock against her wet folds, knocking his thumb away. Her clit bumped against   his sensative head and he lost it then and there.
   "Oh fuck!" He softly growled, his hand diving deeper into her pussy the other tangling in her hair as he brought her wanting mouth up to his own.
   "Moirahhh..." He moaned into her mouth, the first volley of cream slicking over her sex and making her shudder with the onset of her own orgasm. The fierosity she kissed him with as she came hard, rubbing his still spasming cock against her clit made him only hunger for her more. He emptied his essence against her hot and writhing body, stroking her gripping walls tenderly as she came hard, so hard she bit at his lip to keep her scream of ecstasy away. He felt her entire body shudder not but moments after his own began to come down off that highest of highs, the tightness of her sex squeezing his fingers like a fist as the last wave of her pleasure began to ebb away. The look in hers eyes as she opened them, riding that last wave of her orgasm, it made his heart burst.
   "Ohhh Zaaaacccc...." She sighed. He couldn't stop the tears now if he had tried. He didn't try. She sucked in a ragged breath, her body lightly shuddering as he withdrew his fingers from her. Her heart was twisting at how broken this man she loved was. Immediately her hands went up to cradle his strong jaw, drawing him down to a deep kiss.
   "I do love you Zac, more then I thought humanly possible, and what we have, it can never be broken, no matter the distance. And what we just did... that was only a taste of what we will have in our future, you know this. We have to look forward to the future. I know, that's an odd thing to hear from me of all people, but you know it's true love... you know it..." She tried, her tiny kisses showering over his face, lighting on his wet lashes, the tip of his nose, the corner of his mouth where she could taste the blood of her passion gone almost out of hand if it not for her almost nonexistant restraint. He took in a shuddering breath, his head nodding in agreement. She wiped away his tear, forcing his eyes to hers.
   "I love you Zac, only you." She confirmed. He nodded again, wrapping her up in his big arms, sobbing into her hair as he held her so tight she almost thought she would loose her breath. She cried with him... cried for the pain of having to wait. Cried for the suffering of seperation. Cried for the ache in his soul, the man she loved.
   "I love you too Moirah, so much, so much..." He confessed into her hair. This time it was she that nodded, and he took a deep breath to calm himself. He pulled away from her, searching her eyes for a moment before he spoke again.
   "The sun is comming up... I'll take you up to your room..." He sighed defeatedly. Again she only nodded and watched as he rolled away from her. She felt so cold without his embrace. She huddled under the comforter as her eyes followed him in silence. He rose from the bed, bending low to the floor to pick up a pair of jeans tossed there. She watched him as he stepped into them. Every curve and angle of his body gliding in perfection. The fall of his golden curtain of hair, how it slipped like silk ropes over his shoulder, hanging down over his worried face. The expanse of his broad shoulders, bronzed to glistening, even it the dim light of his room. The grace of his folded frame, bent at the narrow hips, the dent of toned muscled thigh meeting buttock. It was like watching one of her statues come to life. She watched his long fingers curl around the thick denim as he stood tall and hoisted them up over his hips, hiding away that smooth skin she always ached to touch. He turned to her, a sad smile falling over his pouted lips. She reached out a hand to him and he knelt on the bed, bending to kiss her. Her fingers glided upover his taught middle, brushed over his firm chest and ran down his thick arm to swirl over his rough hand. He pulled away, laying a peck to her forehead. A grace of devotion bestowed with love. She smiled up at him, her watery eyes glinting in the low light. He held out his hand and she took it, sitting up and throwing her legs over the side of the bed. Chill bumps prickled her skin as he reached for a t-shirt from the chair at the desk. He lovingly handed it to her and she slipped into it. It smelled deliciously like him. She fought the urge to hug herself to feel his shirt closer to her skin. She stood up and he took her hand. She watched his back, how the muscles glided over one another as he walked toward the door. She could feel the cold wetness of his cum sliding down her thigh, it was somrthing to focus on instead of how good it would feel to slide her hand into his undone jeans and curve her fingers around his round firm ass. Why did he have to look so tempting? She thought to herself. He tugged the door open and stuck his head out to check the hallway almost comicly. She only smiled ot herself. Cautiously he went out to the hall, towing her along behind. There were a few bedroom doors open, they hurried along the carpet in silence and crept up the stairs to the guest room. He led her right over to the bed, spinning her around and sweeping her up in his arms, his embrace more then loving, it was prtective as well. And needful, and filled with desire, and tender with regret. She stroked his jaw with love as her eyes found his and she kissed him so sweetly it was almost innocent. But it was pure. Pure love. He stood up again and looked down to her as he stroked her wild hair from her face.
   "Oh how I love you woman..." He sighed. She smiled up at him. Her fingers stroking his jaw then gliding down over his bobbing adamsapple as he swallowed thickly to keep the tears at bay.
   "I love you too Zac. Try to get some sleep ok?" He nodded and turned away from her, his head hung low like a scolded puppy. It was the beginning of goodbye. And it was killing him. She watched him slink down the stairs dejectedly and sat on the edge of the bed as soon as he was gone. She waited until she was sure he was out of earshot... then she broke down and sobbed, releasing her spirit as the pain washed over her. She crawled into the bed, the warmness of the blankets doing nothing to take the chill from her heart. She cried herself back to sleep.
     It was quite late in the day when the family stirred to life. Diana and Walker were welcomed in the morning when entering the kitchen to a sight not often seen. Mac had decided to help out, making breakfast for his little sister... unfortunately he tried making pancakes in the microwave. Not pretty. They just didn't have the heart to scold him over the mess because he was after all trying to help out. With loving understandment they turned the two batter spattered children out of the kitchen into the hands of their older brother whom had been standing in the doorway trying to stifle his laughter. Tay took them back upstairs to clean them up while their father began cleaning up the mess and their mother started in on making pancakes for real. In no time at all the family straggled in one by one being drawn in by the tempting aroma of a promising sticky breakfast. Just right for the start of a lazy day. When most of the household had sat down to the table to begin their repast, a small voice made a glaring observation. Zoe asked. "What about Zac and Moirah? Aren't they going to want pancakes too?" Walker and Diana exchanged a look. Gently Diana spoke to her youngest.
   "I don't know if they are going to want to eat. But if you like, why don't you go on upstairs and wake up Zac, gently." With a bounce typical to her usual energy, Zoe trotted off. She raced with herself up the stairs and to the end of the hallway. She stopped short of her brothers door, remembering her mothers instructions to wake him gently. Quietly she pushed the door open, peering inside the silent room.He lay facing the wall, huddled under the comforter like a lump. She crept into the room, feeling the dark mood he was in. She loved her big brother and wanted to make him feel better. Slowly she climbed up on the bed, her little knees pressing into his lower back as she leaned over him to try and peer into his face. She could see his eyes were closed and puffy and red, still wet from crying. Zac never cried she thought. She smoothed her little hand over his forehead and pushed the long hair from his face. "Zac?" She whispered. He only grunted. "Do you want some pancakes? Mom made em." She enticed. "No." Ge groaned. "They're really good." She tried again. "No, Zoe." He said softer. Her little fingers pressed against his forehead, just like she had seen her mother do time and time again. "Are you sick?" She asked concearned. It touched his heart and a sad smile slipped onto his dry lips. He turned over onto his back and looked up into the face of his baby sister. He sifted his fingers through her golden curls lovingly. "No, Zozo, I'm just sad is all." He confessed. Her eyes grew soft and she snuggled down beside him, wrapping her chubby arm around his neck. "What's the matter Zaccy? Why are you so sad?" She asked gingerly. He hugged her closer, pushing the tears back as he burried his nose in her hair. She waited patiently for her answer. "I don't want to see Moirah go. I'm going to miss her." He explained. She nodded. "I'm going to miss her too Zac, but she'll come back again to visit. She promised!" She tried to soothe him. He couldn't help but smile. She may not have understood all of what he meant, but she was trying her best to make him feel better. "I know Zozo... I know..." He sighed. He looked at his watch then middes the top of her head. "Why don't you go back down stairs and have your pancakes now hmmm?" He offered. "Don't you want any?" She asked. He shook his head, a sad look in his eyes. "I'm not hungry Zoe, have some for me ok?" She nodded. "Now why don't you get out of here so I can get dressed?" He suggested. She giggled behind her little hand. "Are you sleeping nakie again Zaccy?" She tittered. He chuckled despite himself and lifted her from the bed, leaning over to set her on the floor. He swatted her butt and shoved her toward the door with a good natured grin. "Now git!" He chided. She giggled all the way down the stairs. "Zaccy's sleeping nakie again!" She announced loudly enough for even him to hear as she jumped off the last step of the stairs.
     He slipped into his jeans, zipping them up as he left his room behind and padded down the hall barefoot towards Moirah. Quietly he took the stairs and traipsed across the room, sliding onto the bed beside her. He held her to his body, letting her warmth fill his soul. She stirred and turned over to face him as her eyes opened reluctantly. She looked up at him, her voice croaky when she tried to speak.
   "Did you sleep any?" She asked, her fingers skimming over his smooth cheek. He swallowed back his tears and shook his head no. "I'm sorry..." She sighed. He nodded and held her closer, just wanting to be able to feel her against himself. She tried to stem her tears as her face nuzzled into the crook of his neck. He stroked her hair back, calming her.
   "We can do this..." He sighed. She nodded against his chest and pushed back some to look up into his face. In silent agreement they got up and he sat on the edge of the bed while she took out her clothes for the day, laying them on the bed beside him. He fingered the hem of her shirt idely, watching her flit about the room in his old t-shirt. She pulled out her suitcase from beneath the bed and sadly lay it open on the bed on the other side of him. She began to pack. The silence in the room deafening with it's heavyness. She gathered up her dirty clothes, stuffing them into a duffle bag. In a few minutes, every trace of her was gathered up and waiting beside the window seat save for the things she set out for her shower. She took up her clothes and things, heading for the stairs to take a shower and get on with her day of torture. He watched her go, a ragged breath escaping when she disappeared and his tears began again. He got up from the bed, throwing back the blankets and stripping off the sheets, the pillowcase was still damp from her tears. His shakey fingers passed over the material, then he smoothed it over his cheek, his own salted drops mingling with hers as he inhaled her scent. Already he was twisted in pain inside, and she hadn't even left yet. He just didn't know how he was going to be able to handle the next few months.
     He carried the sheets to the girls bathroom, tapping lightly on the door. It opened a crack and a sullen Moirah peeked out from behind it. He gave her a watery smile and she returned it in like as she opened the door for him to enter. He just gathered up the dirty clothes they'd left and went from the room in silence. She closed the door behind him, her tears taking over again as she leaned against the door, trying to catch her breath. It took a few minutes for her body to calm enough, then she slipped into a hot shower, trying to wash away the hurt of having to leave him so soon.
     Zac was doing no better at keeping his emotions in check. as he wandered down the hall into his own room to gather up the laundry there. He tossed it all into his basket and with heavy step trudged down the stairs to throw them into the washer. He didn't even bother to sort them out, just tossed them all in, slamming the lid in anger. He was pissed that for once, something he really really wanted... was not possible to have. He leaned against the buzzing washer and hung his head to cry... again. His mother hearing the loud clang of her washer knew something was up and she went to him. She stood in the doorway and watched him for a moment. He looked so broken, defeated. She had never seen him look so upset before, and she couldn't remember the last time she had seen him cry. Her heart was aching for him, she knew how hard it was for him. She stepped behind him, laying a warm hand on his shagging shoulders and rubbing a bit. He didn't even have to turn around to know who it was, but he turned around anyway, and bent over to cry against her neck, throwing his arms around her shoulders, he let it all loose. He was leaning heavily against her, and she stumbled back a bit before she caught her footing, her arms going around his waist to smooth up and down his strong back. She comforted him the best she could, knowing that nothing she ever did could make it really better. She let him cry it out for a few minutes and he sucked in a deep ragged breath before he pushed himself off her shoulder. He looked down into her loving eyes and gave her a so very sad smile of appreciation. She smiled up at him warmly, stroking his tangled hair away from his tear stained face. She pulled him down and kissed his forehead. "Ok now?" She whispered against his hot skin. He nodded weepily. "Good, now don't slam my washer again, that old thing just can't take that kind of abuse." He chuckled, wiping his face. "Sorry Ma, won't happen again." He sniffled with a tiny smile. She nodded and squeezed his hand then left him to go take a shower.
     He felt like a zombie as he treked back up the stairs. In automated movements he went about getting dressed for the day. A quick shower, washing out his long hair, brushing his teeth. Then he dressed and left the room, his wet hair soaking his broad back through his faded black t-shirt. In bare feet he traveled the hall, once more takng the stairs to go to Moirah. He got to the top of the stairs, his eyes falling on her small form all curled up on the window seat. She was silently sobbing, clutching her knees. Her head lifted, their eyes meeting. She wiped at her tears and sniffled. He stood beside her, holding out his hand to her.
   "Come on... lets try to get through the day." He offered. She nodded and rose to take his hand. She followed him down two flights of stairs as they did their best to look presentable. The tears were gone, the red puffiness mostly abated. But they still could never look anything but the miserable they felt. Most everyone was in the livingroom by then. Saturday cartoons flickering over the screen as most were trying to loose themselves in the tv. Isaac had arrived sometime along, now sitting in the corner chair, Avie curled up on his lap. He looked up at the couple when they entered the room. His heart going out to them as he understood just how hard it was for them, he had been there.
     Mac glanced their way, then back to the tv. He wasn't sure why everyone was so upset, but he could feel the tension in the room. Jess smiled sadly at them, taking her feet down off the couch to make room for the two to sit and join the rst of the crowd. Thankfully they did just that, quietly settling into the spot and trying their best to distract themselves with the television for a few moments at least. In a few minutes Tay stood in the doorway, wiping his wet hands on the backs of his jeans as he'd just finnished helping his mother in the kitchen. Diana came up behind him, her arm wrapping around his thin waist and his arm going around her shoulders as she surveyed the room. She wanted to do something to take away the heavyness of the air that hung over her loved ones.
   "Walker!" She called. All eyes turned to her in wonderment. In moments his head popped out of the study, a small blonde head directly below him almost comicly. She smiled at the pair. "Fire up the grill, we are having a cook out!" She announced. He grinned at his wife, knowing what she was up to and silently commending her for her efforts. He grabbed up a giggling Zoe, hefting her to his hip as he left the study grinning.
   "Wll alright!" He laughed, bringing sunlight into the room with his smile. In mere moments Diana was barking out orders, each child recieving a job to occupy their mind and hands.
   "Ike go call El, we need an extra hand I think." She grinned at her son. He nodded and got right on to it. "Tay, get a hold of Virginia and Jenn will you?" She asked. He squeezed his mother and kissed her cheek then dashed off up the stairs to get his phone. "Jess, why don't you invite Daniel?" She directed at her daughter. Jess left the house and headed for her boyfriends not far away to do just that. "Mac, Avie, go out and help your father get the yard ready ok?" They nodded with enthusiasm and left too. "Zac go dress your feet, I need you to go to the store for me." He grinned, knowing what she was doing and appreciating her thoughfulness. He got up, laying a small kiss a top Moirahs smooth hair, then going across the room to do the same to his mother before he headed up the stairs. She smiled as she watched him lumber up the stairs, then she turned to the small woman sitting alone in the room. "And you, you come with me and help in the kitchen. We've got a lot of work ahead of us." She pointed at her. Moirah smiled and trotted along behind her as they headed for the kitchen. At least it was something to fill in the time between now and when her flight left theat evening. She was more then grateful for the wonderful woman she hoped one day to call mother in law.
     Zac tromped down the stairs noiseily, he ducked into the bathroom and took the clothes from the washer, tossing them into the dryer. He entered the kitchen to find Moirah and his mother washing the cake plates and pieces from the previous night. They were both smiling. It made him feel a bit better. He snuggled up behind Moirah as she gently washed collumns by hand at the sink, he bent and kissed her neck, his hands going around her middle, his mother only grinned as she turned away to pack some pieces into the box set on the table.
   "I won't be long, I promise. I suppose you're going to be busy while I'm gone though. When the dryer stops just toss them into the basket and I'll fold them upstairs. Your dress is in there. Ok?" She nodded on his shoulder. He kissed her again, softly, slowly. She turned some and slid their lips together for a good and proper goodbye kiss. They broke apart and he gave her lips a last peck before letting her go. He smiled at her and went to his mother. He kissed the top of her head as she handed him the list. He left the house, a slam of the door as he whistled down the walk to his truck.
   It was quiet in the kitchen, the two women working side by side to get the job done. They both had a lot on their minds. In a while Ike meandered in. His mother set him to work right away and he sat peeling potatoes while he waited for his love to arrive. He smiled as he thought about her and the night they'd spent after the long party. Still it was quiet in the kitchen. Tay was next to be put to work beside his brother, a mountain of potatoes to be peeled between them. He hummed softly thinking of where he wanted to take Jen on their next date. Maybe somewhere quieter next time. Jess arrived with Daniel in tow. He was greeted warmly. Despite all the teasing she got, her family did like him. He fit with them well. Diana was not hesitant to put him to work as well, she sent him out to coral the kids and help pick up the back yard for the cook out. He had younger brothers and sisters so she knew he was capable of this task. Walker was almost comical as he tried to clean and start the grill. He was too proud to admit that he had no idea what he was doing.
     "Mom! Can we call up Gram and have her bring Nancy over for today?" An excited Avie burst into the back door. Diana grinned down at her daughter.
      "But you just left her a little while ago."
     "Please Mom!" She begged. Diana nodded with a grin.
     "Thanks Mom!" She yelled, tearing off toward the phone to call her grandmother to bring her cousin over. It was the only burst of sunshine that left their ears ringing since the quiet late morning had become busy.
     Jess was busy shreading cabbage for coleslaw when she heard the buzzer of the dryer go off. She didn't think much of it until Moirah put down her work and dried her hands, leaving the room to tend to it. She wanted to ask Moirah so much, but she didn't know how to ask everything. she wanted. She too left her work and followed the woman to the warmth of the bathroom where the dryer had just called to her. She stood and watched Moirah take the clothes form the dryer, folding them and placing them neatly in the basket on the floor. She had her back to Jess so it surprized her when Jess heard her voice fall on her ear softly as Moirah folded one of Zac's t-shirts.
   "Is there something you wanted Jess?" Her soft brogue making her very invitiong.
     "Yeah... I suppose..." She hemmed and hawed. Moirah smiled as she turned, foliding up her own t-shirt and placing it in the basket. Their eyes met and Moirah knew she had a lot of questions, but she was at a loss as to how to begin.
     "It's best to start at the beginning." She prompted. Jess twisted the hem of her shirt as she looked down at her toes.
     "Can I... would it be ok if I called you sometimes... just to... you know talk and stuff?" Jess almost whispered. Moirah nodded, her smile warm.
     "For anything you need to talk about, you know I'm there for you whenever you need me Jess. I like to think of you as a younger sister. I've never had a younger sister before. I was sort of hoping you wouldn't mind filling in that role." Moirah soothed. Jess smiled up at her, her eyes bright.
     "I'd like that. I think the others would too. I know Avie would. She really likes you. She says you're just as cool as El. Ansd she worships El." They laughed together.
     "I'm honored. And really, you can call me anytime, day or night, even collect if you need to, I won't mind at all." Moirah offered.
     "Really?" Jess asked with a giddy grin.
     "Really. Your brother does it... why not you?" She grinned. Jess laughed, stepping forward to take up the other half of the sheet Moirah was folding. They did it together as they talked.
     "Zac called you collect?" Jess giggled.
   "Only once." Moirah smiled fondly. He was at some party and he didn't have his cell with him... he was lonely and so he called me collect." She explained. Jess nodded. She knew her brother relied heavily on the company of Moirah to keep him sane. Now she finally understood why he was so sullen for all those months when they were traveling for promotions. Moirah was a lovely person. She was easy to get to know and very affectionate.
     "I'm glad Zac has you... he needed you." Jess said with a lilt of whistfullness in her tone. Moirah bit back the tears.
     "Thank you Jess... that means a lot to me." She sighed. They smiled at each other, they understood. Jess decided, any questions she had... maybe they could wait until later... Moirah looked like she was wrung out and she knew it was hard on her and her brother today... for today, Moirah left and reality returned. They folded the rest of the load of laundry in silence.
     Jess headed back to the kitchen where everyone was steeped in their own task as Moirah took the laundry up the stairs. She went to put her own things away first, laying them gently into her suitcase and zipping it up once more. She sighed heavily at the ache in her heart. As she walked down the hall toward Zac's room to put away his clean things her bare feet made no noise. She set the basket on the bed and lay the sheets aside, not knowing where they belonged she thought leaving them there for him to tend to was best. She pulled open drawers of his beauro until she found where everything belonged, laying his t-shirts softly onto the pile. tucking his boxers away in his underware drawer. She took his good shirt to the closet and hung it up along with his jeans and the shirt he had worn last night. She stood and paired up all of his socks that remained in the bottom of the basket, the silent tears trickling down her face. She was thinking about all of the long lonely nights that she had to face now. It was heartbreaking to her to think that she would be seperated from him in just a few hours.Her sobs were soft as she went back to open his drawers and place his socks in neat roxs beside his boxers. Her head hung as she leaned on the open drawer. Her heart was screaming at her, clutching to her love, wanting to stay put. She knew it wasn't possible yet... she knew. That didn't make it any easier.
     "You're getting my underware wet." She turned around quickly, her sniffles comming with a sad smile as her eyes washed over the tall broad figure leaning in the door of his bedroom.
     "I'm sorry..." She tried, failing for words. He smiled at her understanding how she felt. He opened up his arms wide to her and she rushed into , he engulfed her in his embrace. Holding her tightly to him, letting their warmth infuse eachother with the comfort of beign together. He rocked her back and forth in his arms, his calming 'shh' smoothing out her frazzled nerves.There wasn't any need for more words then... the only thing she needed was him... and he her.
     He let her calm down and wiped her tears away before they joined the rest of the family in preparing for the cookout. It did wonders to keep her mind off things. And his. When his grandmother arrived, toting along a lively Nancy the noise level increased some. The tables were set, the food was growing into large quantities and El came along before it got too late, a basket of goodies in tow. Ike greeted her warmly then dragged her off to the silent study to greet her more passionately. They were squirrled away for only fifteen minutes or so before they were called back into the fray.
     "Isaac! Come and help Virginia with her things in the car!" His mothers voice rang out. He sighed and leaned his forhead on El's as he waited for his breath to return to normal, along with his trembling body. She giggled at him. And he gave her a playful dirty look. He helped Virginia unload her car, toting in the extra cake from the night before. Jen drove in then, an excited TAy dashing out the door to greet her, he bent and kissed her shyly before she got out of the car. He gave her a hand out and took the boxes of things she had brought as she followed him into the house, a look passing between Virginia and Ike.
     "It's about time." She said. He rolled his eyes and sighed.
     "What can I say, my brother is blind." He joked. They laughed and took in the rest of the things.By the time Walker was trying his best not to char the meat and the food was placed on the tables... more friends arrived. Music was blasted from a boom box and the kids all begged to go in the pool. Being a warm day, their mother relented and cheers were sent up as the ankle biter brigade got wet.
     It was a happy day... at least on the outside, two of the people   in the midst of all the frivolity were silently miserable. And they clung together in the eye of the storm. Brave faces smiled so plasticly it nearly hurt as they mingled, hands clutched and sad eyes hidden behind sunglasses. Nobody even noticed that neither one of them grabbed a plate when the rest of the ravenous pack did as soon as Walker had called 'soups on!'
     They all ate, drank and were merry... except for Zac and Moirah. He convinced her to get into the pool with him, the little ones making a lot of noise, splashing and having fun. It was tempting enough and before long they had both run into the house and up the stairs to change. Zac was back first, he ran from the back door at top speed, taking a giant leap off the diving board and yelling 'cannon ball!' The splash reached far and wide from the mighty force he'd struck the water with. He came back up, all of the kids clamboring for him to throw them off his shoulders and play in the water with them. He was happily occupied for the time being, until she stepped from the back door. She was quiet and demure, her shorts and t-shirt totally unassuming. But then she let her hair down, her sunglasses then sliding off as she approached the waters edge. He had to remind himself to breathe as she bent to put her things on a chair beside the pool and took hold of the hem of her shirt, peeling it off slowly to reveal her bikini top. The world around him faded from his vision as she slipped into the water and swam toward him sleekly under the surface of the pools contents. She popped up not far from him, pushing her long hair back off her face as the children inundated her now with pleas to play. Her smile lit his universe and he watched dazed as she took on the chore of swirling Nancy around in a wide arc, cutting a wave as she spun the child holding tightly to her little hands. A little voice broke him from his reviere and he shook his head as if waking from a dream and looking down into the pleading face of Zoe as she paddled to keep afloat next to her brother in the deep water. He reached out and grabbed her, his smile gracing her gaze.
     "What did you say Zozo?"
     "Zaccy... will you teach me how to float on my back? You promised when we got home you would..." She prompted. He grinned at her remembering her pestering him until he'd given in. He was trying to do his homework and she was relentlless.
     "Sure Zozo." He smiled and flipped her over on her back. For the next hour they played with the children in the pool. It was great fun, it was a distraction. With many protests Moirah and Zac climbed from the pool.
     "But look at my fingers! I'm turning into a prune Avie!" Moirah protested back. The children laughed and looked at their own fingers. That kept them busy long enough for Zac and Moirah to slip away from their pleas to stay and play. She grabbed up her things from the chair and they went to find a quiet place to sit and dry in the warm sun. Zac gave her a hand to sit after she'd spread out her towel in a corner of the yard, she leaned up against the fence and he trotted off to scrounge up a couple of drinks for them. He came back in no time at all and handed her a bottle of water. He plunked his ass down beside her and cracked open his Dr. Pepper. He chugged a bit as she took a small sip. It was quiet between the two, but no tension was present. He set his soda down and slipped her hand into his, squeezing a bit. They were both looking out over the people that milled about the yard. It was apparent to both of them that most of the loved ones that shared this day with them were paired off. But none of them looked sad like they felt. It just didn't seem fair. She crossed her legs and sat indian style as he lay down in her lap. Her fingers sifted through his long wet hair, even darkened by the wetness... it was still shining with gold. Her eyes traveled over the long strands as she watched the sparkle of waterdroplets cascade off the tips of his hair and the glint of gold infused in every inch that lay over her lap. His long lashes swept over his red cheeks. His face flushed from the exertion and the heat of the day. His soft moist lips were gently parted with his breath that came in perfect intervals. His chest rising and falling in time with her heart. His big hands lay folded on his middle and his ankles crossed as he stretched out. To any onlooker they would look like any other pair of lovers relaxing on an idle day. But they weren't. What they really were was two people, clutching onto a strong force of love in a whirlwind of life that threatened to tear them apart, the pain excrutiating in both of their pained hearts... though on the surface, all was calm.
     The sun began to slip down from the sky. Lazily it crawled from it's peak and took a trek toward the horizon. The hours crept by, though to Zac and Moirah they seemed to come careening all to fast toward them. That hour they dreaded was too fast approaching. They took the time to talk with everyone in small groups, trying to enjoy the company. Moirah excused herself to change when she got chilly. Zac kissed her cheek sweetly and watched her walk back to the house just as quietly as she had come from it earlier.
     "Zac?" His mothers voice sounded from behind him. . He watched Moirah slip into the back door and then turned around to face his mother sitting on the bench of the picnic table. She smiled up at him and patted the space beside herself. He grinned back and slid into the empty space, laying his head on her shoulder. She chuckled.
     "Your hair is still damp." She said abscently but he didn't move to lift his head knowing his mother didn't really mind. He sighed, his heart heavy. She wrapped her arm around his wide shoulders, giving him a bit of a squeeze to reassure him that he would indeed make it through the pain He lifted his head from her shoulder and looked into her eyes when she turned her head expectantly. She could see his pain, swirling under the surface of his face, it showed in his eyes. She could see his raw need and his enormous love. It broke her heart to know he was hurting so much and she couldn't do anything about it.
     "Braid my hair Ma?" He asked in a bit of a shakey voice. She almost cried too. She hadn't braided his hair in years, not since he was thirteen. She knew he just needed to feel loved. She nodded and he slipped from the bench to the ground between her parted knees. He closed his eyes and his head lay back a bit as his mother ran her fingers through his hair, the digits seemingly flying as they braided quick tiny plaits. A warm small body curled up on his lap and he looked down to see a grinning Zoe leaning against his warm bare chest. He smiled at her and turned her around and began to braid her hair as his mother was braiding his. Jess and Avie watched for a minute before Avie grabbed Jess's hand and they went over and climbed up on the table behind their mother and began to braid her hair Avie called over her shoulder to El to come and braid her hair too. El laughed but did it anyway. When Moirah came out of the house dressed again Zac grinned at her as his own fingers worked over the long locks of his little sister Jess looked over her shoulder and begged her with her eyes. Moirah laughed and did it anyway. She stood behind Jess and took up the task of making her one of the troops. In a few minutes She saw Ike standing behind a laughing El, his fingers sinking into her chocolate curls and he began to braid too. Then she felt fingers in her own long hair, turning to catch the laughing eyes of her friend Jen. It was a big assembly line of tiny plaits... and it was a good feeling to be connected by something so simple. Tay quietly snapped many a picture in witness of the small event. It maybe was not so bad a day after all... but Zac and Moirah knew better.      As dusk drew near, it was increasingly obvious that the two were going to be inconsolable when that doomed hour approached. Zac forced Moirah, gently, to get some food into her, he wouldn't let her get away with just pushing the food around on her plate as she had been doing. He pulled her into his lap and fed her. She pouted a bit but she did swallow the food. Slowly, reluctantly a small amount but enough to satisfy him that she wouldn't pass out for lack of sustenance. He knew very well she hadn't eaten all day... neither had he but he wasn't going to brign that up and nobody was willing to force the issue. The sky grew darker and the hourfamily got more skiddish at the impending parting. They all knew it was going to be hard for the both of them. They knew they would be there for him and help him through his time of pain... but who was going to help Moirah? She would be all alone on a plane... headed back to a city full of near strangers, no family and only a handful of close friends. Zac distracted Moirah for a bit when he slipped away and asked the kids to occupy her. He called Ramone. He was sure she was going to need someone when she got back. And Ramone was the closest she had to family. He made Ramone promise to take extra special care of her, she was going to need it. Ramone promised to meet her at the airport... and he promised Zac that he would also pick up a little something Zac had ordered from a certain florists... something to remind her that even if Zac couldn't be there in person... he was with her in that strongest of bonds. Love.
      They left the yard in it's chaos and Zac ran into the house to grab a t-shirt and some sneakers along with his keys. He ran to Moirah's side and helped her bring her things down to his truck. Zoe insisted she ride with them... neither one had the heart to tell her no through her little tears. The bulk of the family loaded into cars to drive to the airport, the so called party left behind after a few hugs and a couple of words of encouragement. Then they were on their way... off to the airport like a funeral procession. Zoe was quietly asking a battery of questions, filling the dead air of the cab of the truck. They were a bit thankful for her being there... it helped stem the tears that threatened to spring up from time to time when their eyes caught hold of each other and held out that connection of love that reached across any span. There was no music this time... there wasn't a music in the universe that could soothe the ache of the rift that was tearing the two apart.
     Like a man on his way to the electric chair Zac hauled her bags in when they'd gotten to the airport. A small line of his family behind him with other pieces of her luggage. They had a little time to wait, the plane not on time. They sat in the hard cold unforgiving plastic chairs bolted to the floor... as if anyone would want such an uncomfortable piece of so called furniture. All of her bags were checked and her single carryon sat at her feet as she sadly hung her head. She already looked so lonely. It was breaking his heart to watch her. He Shoved a few dollars at the vender and walked over to her. He handed the candybars to the little ones and squatted down infront of Moirah's chair. He lay his big hands on her warm thighs. He pressed his head against hers, their braids sliding together for a different sensation.
     She slowly looked up at him, her eyes shining with the huge tears that filled them. He knew he had to be strong for her... he had to be. He cupped her face gently, his eyes telling her of all of his love, how deep it was and what he would do for that love. She knew, she could read that love... read it like one of Shakespeares own best sonnets. It was just that beautiful, that well written. That strong. He sank to his knees, his hands both sinking into her hair, drawing her near. His lips brushed hers and she lost her breath, lost her will and gave it up to him. He took her will and shaped it into something strong and steady. Something to lean upon when the times were dark and lonely. He handed her the universe in just his kiss. It made her body shudder with the intensity of it. They didn't know how long they had been lost in the eyes of each other as he sat there, just looking into her eyes, his tears escaping like the drip of a stalagtite in some cavern deep below the earth where pain such as he knew did not exsist. Her boarding was announced and he felt his heart stop... it beat no more unless it beat for her.
     Each of his family took their turn to quietly hug her, whispers of words that were meant to soothe the pain did little but make her ache to stay. Diana took her into her arms, a quiet reassurance in her ear. She knew this woman truely did love her son, had seen her declaration time and time again.
   "I'm glad Zac found someone so wonderful to love... he deserves someone like you, someone special." Diana said, her hands on Moirah's shoulders. It meant worlds to Moirah that Diana would say that, she knew they weren't too happy about the age difference, but she knew also that his parents were smart enough to look past that. They could see straight to the strong love that held them together. She was more then grateful. Walker took her up into a huge hug very much like one of Zac's rib cracking breath stealing patented bear hugs.
   "You had better call us! " He warned her. She nodded her head obediantly and tried her best to smile for him... it was a sad effort and it nearly brought a tear to his eye as he saw her lip quiver. He kissed her cheek and let her go. Then she knelt to Zoe, wrapping her in a hug so fierce, but Zoe was used to it with her family being so enthusiastic about affection. She pulled back and kissed the little girls forehead sweetly.
     "I'm going to miss you Zoe, you call me sometime ok?" She asked. The girl nodded then held Moirah's face in her chubby hands.
     "Don't worry Moirah, you will come back and we will maybe visit you too... I promise... I'll take care of Zaccy while you're gone. I'll make sure he calls you lots and lots." She said with passion. Moirah let her tears fall, hugging Zoe again. The last call was announced for her flight and she stood. Taking a deep breath. She faced Zac and he took her hand as they walked to her gate and left behind his family at a short distance. They stopped as the line of passengers boarded... He held her close, so close he forgot where his body ended and hers began. There were no words... no words that could help them now. Now it was just a pain. A pain that permeated their love. But the love was strong, of that they were sure... it was just so hard to have to live through.
     "Ma'm... we need to close the door now..." A disembodied voice sliced into their world like a venomous demon.
   He took her mouth, a kiss so deep and full it would leave her weak in the knees for weeks to come. He pulled away from her, his breath heavy hitting her face lightly, a last tender peck to her forehead as he was in the habit of doing, his whisper brushing across the skin.
     "I love you Moirah..." His voice was broken and raspy, heavy with his burdon.
     "I love you too Zac. More then humanly possible I love you." She cracked through her tears.
   Then he was being pulled away from her, his hands reaching out to her, grasping onto her tiny fingers as he tried to keep his touch on her. The pure anguish in his soul was overwhelming, he fell to his knees. He watched as Moirah was taken away from him. The stewardess guided Moirah into the plane, she was so dazed she didn't even see Tay speaking quietly into the womans ear just before she was pulled away from Zac. She didn't even notice Ike with his hands on Zac's slumped shoulders. She was numb, only the pain and tears could work their way into her and force out any response as she watched her love disappear. She was guided to a seat and buckled in... her eyes unseeing as her pain over took her... She cried in silence... cried until sleep took her sweetly.
   She dreamed of a man, a man that loved her as much as she loved him. A man that would follow her to the ends of the earth... and that man was Zac. Even in her slumber there was no escape of her pain. She knew he did love her and he would follow her anywhere... but she also knew that just wasn't practacle. She had to live in reality where she had to be seperated from him.... at least in her dreams she could have him. So she let her dreams take over for that short time... filling her emptiness with her fondest desire. Zac.
    She couldn't have known though that at the time she was dreaming of him... he was crying for her. It had taken both of his brothers and his father to nearly carry Zac from the airport. He was a wreck. He just couldn't function. Tay drove his truck back, taking the two smallest children who were bewildered to say the least. He took them out for pizza and to play in the park which was a great treat since it was dark already. The ice cream was the topper and yet it still did not quell the questions asked about the lack of response from Zac. He didn't know how to tell them the trouble with Zac was because he lost a part of his soul when Moirah left. Didn't know how to explain why Zac lay in the back seat of the family van with his head in his mothers lap and cried like a two year old. He just didn't know what to tell them... he didn't have the answers himself.

     It was like watching a dead man to see Zac in the house. The first week he spent in his bed, crying day and night. Sometimes until he threw up or fell asleep from exhaustion. The only time his mother could get anything close to food into him was when he would talk to Moirah. Every day, twice a day they would call each other. Then Diana would tip toe into his room and set a mug of broth on the bedstand. She would stand there until he drank it all - but only after she had implored Moirah to beg him to do so. Diana fearing the same fate falling upon Moirah had discretely called Ramone with Jess's help. She was well assured that he was taking good care of her and would continue to do so. She even relayed to him the recipee for the broth she was forcing down Zac, the same she made for them to have onstage to keep their energy up. Ramone was grateful.

     The next time she'd called Ramone she was at wits end. She couldn't get Zac to budge from his room, nor would he bother to brush his hair, dress or shower. She asked Ramone for some ideas.
     "Diana honey, I know what you mean. Miss lonely hearts heare just shlubs around in her bathrobe, sleeping fitfully in her studio... refuses to go to the main studio... just paints night and day. I've never seen her so lost . When she was refusing to eat I got worried and was forever throwing out stale untouched sandwiches until you called about the broth, I want to thank you for that. It seems to help if I make sure she has some for when they talk- and lots of juice. But after she started looking like an experiment gone wrong with all that paint in her hair. I put my foot down. I ran her a bath and carried her to it. Stripped her myself and plunked her ass in it. She never even resisted. But I suppose that would be kind of hard for you to do wouldn't it?"
     "Maybe not!" Diana said enthusiasticly. "Perhaps if both of his brothers were to gang up on him..." She said as she thought. "Thank you Ramone, you've been a help. We'll talk again." She said quietly. They said their good byes and she began to plot Zac's semi recovery.

     Zac was so lost in his misery he didn't know day from night - but he watched the hours slide by like a glacier, counting them off until he would once more talk with his love. It was during one of those excrutiatingly long periods that his door burst open, both Ike and Tay clad in naught but shorts. He couldn't even climb out of his depression long enough to care why... until they picked him up off the floor where he'd been laying curled up with the clock and phone. He knew it had been nine days since he'd touched the woman of his dreams - but that was the only thing that registered. Not that he hadn't had solid food, or played with the little kids, or sang a song, or showered, or... anything.
     "What the hell are you doing? Where are you taking me?" He asked in a confused daze. "What if Moirah calls? I'll miss it!" He began to become frantic.
     "Shhh... Zac, it's ok, Mama has the cordless phone right here." Diana soothed from behind . He looked over his shoulder as his brothers dragged him through the hall to make sure what she said was true. It was his only solace in leaving his room, knowing that he had the phone with him. Ike shoved him into the bathroom, both he and Tay following.
     "You're gonna take a shower Zac, you reek man." Tay said none too gently.
     "But..." He began to protest.
     "No buts man. We'll stay with you, Mom gave me the phone so it's ok. Mom's right outside the door anyway Zac. So... are we gonna do this the easy way or the hard way man?" Ike asked. Zac just looked confused.
     "Either you get in the shower or we'll do it for you..." Tay hinted. Now Zac understood the shorts.
     "I can do it!" Zac snapped, slapping his brothers hand away as he reached for the drawstring on his flannel pants. Ike chuckled softly. It was just like his little brother was three all over again. Zac turned around, his back to his brothers and dropped his drawers. Tay reached past Zac's shoulder, turning on the water. Zac looked over his hsoulder, glaring at a grinning Tay. Tay fought the urge to slap his brothers bare ass, fearing he wouldn't get the joke and end up knocking his head off. Zac stepped under the spray as he slid the door shut. For the first few minutes, he just stood there letting the warm water wash away some of the tears as they fell. Slowly, mechanicly, he washed himself, every inch of flesh remembering how her touch felt upon it. He missed her more then he knew was humanly possible. He turned and washed out his hair, letting the suds tumble down his back as he silently prayed to the heavens for her return to his side. Ike knocked on the glass.
     "Everything ok in there?" He asked with concern. Zac shut the water off and slid the door open, reaching to the bar for a fluffy towel. He wrapped it around his middle as he stepped out onto the lush bathmat.
     "Well you smell better, even if you still look like shit." Tay quipped.
Zac just gave him a death look. Ike plopped a towel over his younger brothers head, throwing Tay a look to let him know he needed to ease up. Tay shrugged and grabbed a hair brush as Zac rubbed at his hair. Zac pulled the towel from his messy mane, tossing it to the corner, missing the hamper entirely. Tay bit his tongue, fighting back the words that bubbled in his brain. It just wasn't natural not to tease his brother. He handed Zac the brush and was surprized to hear the quiet, "Thankyou." from Za. "Welcome..." Tay replied. Zac ran the brush through his long tangled locks mercilessly pylling out all the snarls. He threw it to the counter and Ike held out this razor. Zac just shook his head, shoulders sagging as he picked up the phone and walked out. Tay was about to protest, and go after him when Ike held his houlder. Tay looked to his older brother. Ike shook his head, understanding in his eyes.
     "Let him go. It's a start, don't push him too far." Ike toned softly. Tay shruged, letting it slip. He looked down at himself and chuckled.
     "May as well put these to use." He laughed. Ike smiled back and they headed out to round up the kids to take a dip in the pool.

     Zac stepped back into his room, knowing that it would have been cleaned. He was right. He only sighed as he dropped the towel from his waist. He opened a drawer, pulling out a pair of old ratty sweat pants and slipping them on. He kicked the towel toward the laundry basket, now empty of his laundry that he'd neglected to do since his return with Moirah. He gently placed the cordless phone in the charger, now on it's new home, his desk. He peeled back the familiar old quilt from his trundle bed days and slipped between the fresh sheets. He lay his head on the cris pillowcase and let the tears slide down once more. His bed didn't smell like her anymore. It made the ache inside his chest deper. He turned over and sobbed into his pillow until he fell asleep.

     When he woke, the sun had slipped over the horizon, but he didn't notice. The only thing he noticed was the emptyness of his embrace. the lump in his throat was thick when he swallowed. H eturned over and looked at his clock. The vile fiend refused to advance the hour to when his dearest would reach across the miles, softly uttering words of endearment into his ear again. He rose from the bed and grabbed the phone on his way out the door of his room.

     It actually shocked Jess when she saw her brother traipsing down the hall past her room. She quickly got off her bed where she was painting her nails while on the phone with Phoebe, her best friend. She stuck her head out the door and watched as Zac pulled the stairs down that led to the guest room. He trudged up the stairway, phone in hand and disappeared. She didn't really know what to think, but had the whee with all to inform her mother. Quickly she got off the phone and ran down the stairs, finding her mother folding a mountain of laundry as she watched television.
     "Mom..." She nearly whispered, gaining her mothers attention.
     "What is it Jess? You look like you've seen a s ghost." Diana asked as she went to her daughter standing in the doorway.
     "Zac just took the phone up to the guest room..." She said confusedly. Diana's brow creased then caught sight of her husband comming from the kitchen, nibbling at a popsicle.
     "Walker..." Diana toned. He stopped, looking at the popsicle then at his wife.
     "What? I was just a little hungry, it's not that far off my diet!" He whined to his wife. She shook her head.
     "Nevermind that... Zac just took the cordless up to the guest room." She explained. Walker sighed defeatedly.
     I'll go talk to him. This is getting to be too much." He toned, handing his popsicle to Jess
     "Be gentle Walker, he's so fraglile right now, he's never dealt with anything so painful not even when Mama passed." She tried to explain.
     "I know dear, don't worry, but I'm hoping this is a step forward and not back for him." Walker said softly as he headed up the stairs. Diana gripped the newel post at the bottom of the steps as she watched her husband go and waited for the news. Jess tok a bit of her fathers popsicle and wandered to the kitchen, worry etched on her face. She loved her brother and hated seeing him in so much pain.

thanx for read'n Z-ya!

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