A New Day, A New Beginning (o p e n)

[Phantom]

A red '04 red pickup truck drove slowly down the road. Jason was looking out the windshield at the lonely road, no one else was driving down the road, that was good, he wouldn't get pulled over or yelled at for his somewhat slow driving. He didn't know why he was driving barely 35 mph, but it really didn't matter, it got him to where he was going at least. He had finally settled into the town, he had gotten a house with land and a small barn. It felt good not to have to pull a trailer for awhile, he wanted Frenchman's Conclusion to get a good rest in, for even he knew that the gelding could only take so much. He had money already saved up for a month's supply of horse feed and a few square bales of hay. He was hoping he would be able to get a job in this town soon and hopefully a new herd of cattle. He sighed as he stopped at a red light, he hoped that a cup of coffee would calm his nerves. There was so much on his mind lately although not that much has happened, at least nothing bad. He had met two people in the small town, they were nice people in the most. He smiled slightly as the red light turned green and he put his foot on the gas and drove down the road. He reached his hand over and turned the radio on and he was lost in thought as a song came on the radio, American Honey by Lady Antebellum. Jason Currington was indeed a country boy in the most. He finally pulled into the parking lot at Java Joe's. He parked his truck in the parking lot, perhaps the same parking space he had parked in the day before. He slid out of the driver's seat, and placed his keys in his pocket. The sun was casting an orange glow across the sky, and the sun's ray were beginning to blind him. Just then, his cell phone rang in the cup holder in his truck, he reached over and grabbed it, only to find that it was his older brother "Tsk.." he muttered in audibly as he hit the cancel button. He wanted nothing to do with his family, not anymore anyways. He threw the phone into the driver's seat and shut the door behind him as he made his way for the Java Joe's entrance.

[Nevvy]

The leaves change hues

A cup of coffee was beside her notepad as a pen scribbled vigorously across the notepad. It was the only way to get out some of the anger. Abby’s darling ex decided to give her a call. Did she answer? Hell no! She was just starting to piece her life back together, why would she allow anyone else in her life. She had not met anyone else besides Edward around here, probably more because of her ability to keep others at bay. But she needed to stop that.

Like life changes shape

She was changing. Slowly, of course. But surely she was changing into what she used to be, the beautiful, rambunctious girl who loved life, not despise it for all it was worth. She looked around, a friendly smile on her face. She was dressed in her cowgirl hat, her blond hair in a low ponytail as her gray eyes swept across the room.

You came in and contorted it out of shape

She looked down at her phone as it sang to her in a low tone, a sweet melodious tone brimming with alcohol that could suck her back in and drown her. Instead of listening to it, she opened it for a quick second as a deep voice came out, yelling on the other end of the line, although it sounded more like a whisper. Tunnel vision came into play as she heard one word, Whore. and she hung up, turning off the phone and slipping it into her pocket. Enough of him. He was sweet and spice and every poison mixed into a deadly cocktail.

The coldest winter that I thought would never end

But now spring has come and you’re still stuck as the frigid jackass,

She sighed, letting out a deep breath. It was all over, and she had to remember about Rudolph. The one thing in her life that was so bright it was like her guardian angel. With that thought in mind she looked around again as she saw someone enter the establishment again. She smiled at him before going back to writing, closing the pad and sipping at her coffee, looking out the window. Maybe she would stay here longer. It did not seem like he was coming anytime soon, and this town was really nice. Secluded, and absolutely lovely. Who knew.

While I grow wings and fly away, toward heaven

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[Phantom]

Jason pushed opened the door of Java Joe and looked around his bluish gray eyes observing everything. This was his second time being here, at least this place didn't seem to change, not in the slightest bit. He noticed that not many people were here today and that suited him just fine, he walked around for a little while and then sat down in apparently what one would call a rather random seat. He sighed as he looked down at the table, he had to stop getting so worked about things that were over and done with. Life wasn't fair, so why was his mind complaining so much? He looked over for a split second and noticed someone looking out the window and then he looked back at the table his mind wandering. He had drove all the way out here and he didn't even feel like drinking coffee anymore, he wasn't tired, not anymore he was. He was just looking for something, no not something he had lost. Something that he needed, not wanted. But what ever could it be? Could it be fortune? No. He wasn't the one to be into greed and money like so many people of the world was. He didn't want to stay here for long, although he didn't have anything to do anyway. He sighed once more and wiped his face slowly with one hand as he thought quietly to himself. Maybe he just needed another break from life. He looked around the place once again and then he just stared at the back wall for a few silent, long moments.

[Nevvy]

Abby looked around again, getting bored staring out the window. She noticed that someone else was sitting there, copying her! Okay not really copying her but he was staring out into space like she was. Her mind was on riding though, who knew what was in the mind of the guy. Throwing her notebook and pen in her purse, she drained the rest of the coffee in her cup, throwing it away in the nearby trashcan. Well maybe it was time to go out and see Rudolph, seeing as that was what she did with most of her time. Go out there and socialize! Her mind seemed to scream at her, but she did not want to listen. Why should she listen it has directing her incorrectly before. Oh no, wait, that was her heart. Her mind was always right. Rifling through her purse, she found something. Grasping it in her hand, she took a few deep breaths, calming her heart before walking to the table where the guy was sitting there, staring out the window. Penny for your thoughts? She asked, a half smile on her face, her gray eyes shining with a little bit of laughter. She opened up her hand to show a shiny penny in it. Yes that was a cheap way to come over here. Mind if I sit? We both kinda looked bored, maybe we could entertain each other while we are here. Okay she needed to stop babbling and let him talk.

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[Phantom]

He thought for a few more moments and then he blinked as if he had just woken up to reality again. He ran his hand through his hair trying to calm himself and then he noticed that someone had come over to his table and was talking to him. He looked over at the stranger Penny for my thoughts? at first he was confused and then he snapped out of his dreamy like state and flashed a calming smile at the young lady as she asked if she could sit "Sure, there's no harm in small talk I guess" he said simply as his smile faded and he looked back down at the table again, somehow he felt like a trapped wild animal. But maybe it was just because he didn't talk much nowadays and was suprised that yet another one of the citizens wanted to talk to him.

[Nevvy]

Taking the chair, she scooted it out and sat down, looking around. Or we can sit here and stare out at the world and wonder how the heck we got here, what life is about, and all that philosophical crap. She suggested, glancing over at him. And just so you can put a name to the crazy sitting next to you, it's Abby. She flashed him a quick smile before looking out toward the window. It was becoming more and more natural, becoming more herself. He could stare at the wall and watch as the dry pain peels off (it is a little faster than watching paint dry, anyway), she would stare outside and watch as people walked past, giving them funny things to do in her mind to try and keep this smile on her face. She listened to the ringing of the cash register, the murmured orders and the coffee as it came out. Silence was good, silence would always be good. The better to hear everyone with.

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[Phantom]

He looked up as the young lady sat down "Well, if we talked about the history of the world it would be a neverending conversation full of opinions and a few lies told by historians" he smiled and looked out the window for a few moments, watching the people walk by on the other side of the glass. It sure was a lazy day, Jason hated lazy days, but he was walking through one right now, so he just had to deal with it. He turned back and looked at the young lady sitting across from him "It is nice to meet you....Abby" He wiped his face with a hand again, as if trying to clear his mind. So many names and faces! "My name is Jason Currington" Well at least he would not forget his name after mentioning it so many times in the last 24 hours.

[Nevvy]

Her heart stopped as he said his name. Those two syllables were horrible, they created a horrible word, they created a horrible person. Her heartbeat started going faster as adrenaline stormed through her body, demanding that she run away, far away. But she kept her body in the seat somehow as her mind screamed at her DANGER DANGER! The name struck a chord, and she cringed inwardly. Sweat started beading on her forehead, and she wiped it away quickly, fanning herself, pretending that it was warm in here. Now what’d he say. Everything else was drowned out after that word. Ummm…you too. She said, hoping that he had said nice to meet you. Her voice wavered a little, but she tried to stay in control. It was her first real test, that was all it was. This was not her Jason, this was another. People could, of course, have that same name.

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[Phantom]

He sighed realizing he had nothing else to say, but somehow, it seemed as if the air had just become really tense, but maybe it was just him. He had noticed Abby's strange actions, perhaps he had said something wrong? No, he had hardly said anything to begin with! It was none of his business anyway so he wasn't going to bother by asking, he didn't like asking questions, he just asked a person's name, no wait, he didn't even do that. He thought for a few long moments about what he should say next, but his mind had gone completely blank, he wiped his face once more with his hand, it was starting to become a pet peeve. "Ummm" he stammered and then hesitated for a few seconds, but it seemed to drag on for much longer in his mind. "I am sorry to ask...." he continued placing his hand back down on the table. "but are you alright?" He couldn't help asking, he didn't want to, but it was just in his nature to make sure someone was okay, he couldn't help it! He was always the "good guy" in most situations, and he always regretted saying anything in situtations similiar to this one mainly because he always thought he would regret saying anything in the first place. This is why Jason remained silent most of the time and only spoke if spoken to.

[Nevvy]

Her face was starting to pale as she looked over at him, his face replaced with the old Jason. Ummm no… She said, grabbing her bag and putting it over her shoulder. She pushed her hair out of her eyes absentmindedly. It was nice to meet you again… She couldn’t get the name out. Bye. She stood up and pushed the chair in, trying not to walk too fast toward the door. Why was there never straight lanes to the door? There should always be a straight lines, otherwise it was a fire hazard! She stumbled over some empty chairs that were sitting empty and pushed them out of the way until she got outside. The fresh air hit her face and cooled her down quickly. She breathed in deeply, trying to catch the breath that had left her just moments ago, but it did not seem to be working. She went over to her car and placed her hands on the hood, leaning against to it as she closed her eyes, breathing deeply, trying calm her nerves. It was a different Jason, there was no reason to freak out about it. Yes she did just make a fool of herself in front of him, and he probably did think she was legitimately crazy. But at that moment she did not care. Throwing her bag on the hood, she started digging around, looking for her anxiety pills. She hated feeling like this, all out of control and unable to bring it back within her grasp.

[Phantom]

Jason had just come face-to-face with a very awkward scene. He had done nothing wrong had he? What had caused the young lady Abby to just up and leave just like that? The expression on her face was just something that confused Jason. He was never good at reading emotions and such but he knew that perhaps something bad was in the expression on Abby's face. He sat for a few more moments, contemplating on whether or not he should get up and see if she really was alright. He didn't want to get slapped in the face or anything of the sort, but he always felt a sense of worry about everyone, whether he knew them or not. The few words that Abby did say to him before she up and left, seemed to be a jumbled up mess to Jason, for he did not understand a word she said. He ran his hand through his bronze colored hair once more, trying to figure out what he should do. Should I go? Or should I not? After a few more minutes he got up and pushed the chair in underneath the table, Damn, I am a true sucker. I hope I do not regret this, being the nice guy thing. he thought as he strode away from the table and over to the entrance, pushing the door open. He looked left and right until he finally spotted Abby by the hood of her car rummaging through her bag, he walked over but stayed a few feet away, he really did not want to regret being the nice guy. He really, really did not want to regret it. He slipped his hand in his pocket, a crease of worry was forming on his forehead, but he tried to not to let it show. "Um....Abby?" he called softly, hoping still that he would not regret it. Of course he wasn't doing anything wrong but Abby might think that he was doing something wrong, and what if she took defensive action? Oh man..please..please don't let me regret this!

[Nevvy]

Hmmm? She said, not looking up. Dammit, where is it?! She muttered as she started pulling everything out. She didn’t leave it back in the room did she? Gosh knowing her she probably did! She was losing breath and her hands turned into fists. Looking over, she said, I’m sorry, what? She asked, trying to get calm. Tears were starting to form in her eyes. One because she was in public. Two because she was having a full-on panic attack. And three because this seemingly nice guy was named Jason was out here. Why did a name have to do this to her? This had to be too extreme! Abby just needed to calm down, that was all. She closed her eyes. Her body was so tense, she was going to have knots and kinks if she didn’t relax. Taking the palm of her hand she shoved at the tears that were threatening to come down. She held them in. Well her pills were not in here, so to occupy herself she started putting everything back in the bag to give her hands something to do.

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[Phantom]

Jason looked around warily "I am really sorry to bother you...." He said as he walked slowly and stopped just beyond the hood of her car as he watched her rummage through her bag. He looked around, trying to remember what he was going to say. How could he forget! His nerves were starting to really get to him, as he continued to stammer. He hesistated for a few more moments until he continued "Are you...." he searched for the lost word that he had only sad just moments before "alright?" He continued to think that he would regret saying anything at all, perhaps he should just drop everything and go home? No I couldn't do that...I want to help...somehow.. he thought silently within his mind. He looked at the concrete at his feet as he waited for Abby to respond to his question. If she wanted him to go away, he wished she would just say it so that he could stop killing himself by thinking he would regret everything he had said and done.

[Nevvy]

Abby looked at him before looking down at her hood. Her throat closed in on her painfully, and she rubbed her hands against her face. She could not speak, and instead she just shook her head, her shoulders shaking as the tears finally flowed down her cheeks. She kept her face covered. How was a name just too much for her, but it was. She knew when she came here she had been running away, and did not let herself do what needed to be done. She knew this was horrible. This poor guy was just standing there, in this awkward position, and she just completely broke down. That name though, it brought back so many painful memories. The bruises, the names, the lost baby. She uncovered her face and absentmindedly tried pulling down long sleeves, but she did not have any. Not today. Today she felt like being daring. She wore a t-shirt because those bruises were gone. She went up to a guy to try and become more like herself. And this was, well, something that had never happened before. She was now leaning against the hood of her car and the tears were not stopping.

[Phantom]

Jason did not expect the reaction he had got. He really did not expect that. So, was he regretting asking anything at all? He wasn't sure, but he was determined to help this stranger nevertheless, he just knew her name, that was all, but he wanted to help, somehow, anyway he could, he wanted to help the poor girl. Even if he did regret it, he felt a sharp tug at his heart when he saw the tears falling down the poor girl's face. He himself, was a stranger to this girl. But no, he wasn't the kind of stranger to just be well, a crazed stranger who hunted down people. He wanted to be the nice guy, a friend? He took a few steps closer to Abby, but he didn't want to get close to her, he slowly took his hand out of pocket and reached out and just barely brushed his hand against Abby's hand. "Hey, don't cry. Are you alright?" The look of worry was still present upon his young face. He knew deep down inside that there was a high chance he would regret everything he had did just now, but he didn't care. At least he attempted to try and help this poor girl. He didn't want to see her cry, he didn't know her history, frankly he did not want to know, but he didn't want to see her in a state like this. No he didn't know her. And no she didn't know him. What harm was there in a stranger trying to help another stranger?