Jimmy came out of Kyle's tent, feeling exhausted. Another trance left his brother even more pissed off. Jimmy started to envy him. At least he had hours in which Sam, Tom and Billy were not dead. He'd do anything for a brief escape from reality.

He walked towards her tent, feeling the need to see her. The smallest of her smiles gave him hope.

The tent was empty so he headed for the river, sure he'd find her there. He stopped before entering the crescent moon clearing and checked for Jessie. She was there, leaning against a tree, playing a very complicated piece on her guitar.

Jessie gave up on the song and leaned her chin against the body of the guitar. A stray tear ran down her cheek.

He made to step out, but stopped once Jessie turned the guitar around and started playing again, this time a much sadder song. A few seconds into it, she started singing. The lyrics were depressing on their own, but the heart she put into them made Jimmy shudder. She spoke of being mistreated, ignored, abandoned and she seemed to really mean it. Unable to stand there, listening, he stepped out of the shadows.

It took a few seconds for Jessie to notice him and stop singing. She put her guitar away, blushing.

"Beautiful song." He sat in front of her. "Never heard it before."

"Thanks." She stared at her hands. "You couldn't have. I wrote it."

Jimmy's stomach did a somersault. What had the poor girl been through? "It's really good. Sad, but good." He hesitated for a second before adding, "You seemed to mean it."

Another tear rushed down Jessie's face, but she immediately wiped it away.

"Bad boyfriend situation?" he asked, moving closer to her.

"It doesn't matter." She grabbed her guitar again and leaned against it, looking away from him.

"Jessie, it's not worth suffering over. If he doesn't know you're there, don't be."

"It's not that easy," she mumbled.

"Yes it is. We want to make it complicated, but it's not. You deserve to be happy. I can't stand to see you like this."

Jessie looked at him for a second then returned to the guitar, stroking the engraved letters on the headstock. Jimmy followed her fingers.

"What do the R.S and J.S stand for?"

Jessie didn't answer for a few seconds as she wiped another tear from her eyes. "The R.S stands for Rachel Stefáni. J.S is for Jessica Stefáni. That's me."

"Is Rachel your mother?" Jimmy asked. Seeing how Jessie felt about her parents, it was a wonder she stroked the letters with such tenderness.

"No, she was my aunt. My father and Uncle Eric were brothers. He and my aunt died when I was five. They're the ones who raised me until my parents got their business going. For a while, I thought they were my parents. This is the only thing I've left of them." She smiled at the guitar and hugged it, resting her forehead against the neck. "You should go. I have to... have to..." Her voice was drowned in tears.

Jimmy put her guitar away, pulled her towards him and hugged her. "It's okay to cry, Jessie."

"I don't want to break down in front of you," Jessie said between tears. "I promised I'd be there for you."

Jimmy shushed her, squeezing her tighter. Jessie needed someone. She'd suffered enough. Her body trembled with the force of her sobs and Jimmy felt even guiltier for forcing her to keep this in. He had to make her feel better somehow.

He ran his hands up and down her back. Jessie wrapped her arms around his neck, resting her forehead against his chest, crying on. It was better that her body was no longer pressed against his, but he now felt strangely hollow. He wanted her closer.

You just want her to feel better, to stop crying. Jimmy raised her chin and stuck his forehead to hers. Jessie stopped sobbing and looked at him with teary eyes. Alice, Alice... it was like a fire alarm going off inside him, but he ignored it. He wanted to burn.

Jessie bit her lip, her eyes wide and questioning. He leaned towards her until their noses touched. What are you doing? You'll ruin everything. It didn't matter. It's worth it. He plunged towards her lips. For just...one... kiss...

"No." Jessie ducked away and stood. She walked away, hugging herself and stopped on the riverbank, trembling.

Jimmy hit his fist against his forehead. How could he? She needed comfort and instead, he slobbers all over her. Some friend! He stood and walked to her, stopping a few steps behind her. He didn't want to crowd her.

"Jessie, look, I'm sorry. I don't know what got into me—"

"Shut up. Don't ruin it." Her voice was a little higher than usual.

He couldn't shut up. "I was way out of line. How this must look... I'm supposed to be with Alice—"

"Alice?" Jessie turned to him, but didn't seem angry even if she practically spat out the name. "You think Alice is the problem?" She strode to her guitar case and fumbled in one of the pockets. "I'll give you a problem." She threw something small and shiny at him, then turned to the river again.

Jimmy caught it and turned the ring in his hand. It was a thin gold band topped with an impressive diamond – undoubtedly an engagement ring. The blood that had rushed through his veins while Jessie had been close suddenly froze. For the first time in his life, he was aware the Earth was revolving. That must be why the ground was running from under his feet.

Jessie spun around, her eyes wide and panicky. She stared at the ring in his hand as though she couldn't recognize it. For a moment, hope returned to Jimmy. Maybe this wasn't her ring. It could be her mother's or her dead aunt's.

She sighed. "Yes. That's why I said it's not that easy to up and leave."

"Do you love him?" Jimmy swallowed. His throat suddenly felt too narrow. What kind of question was that? It was none of his business.

"No. But he's the one my parents picked for me," Jessie said, hatred oozing from her words. "They don't care that he makes me miserable, that he's twelve years older. They only care that I'm not their problem anymore."

Jimmy stared at her, not knowing if he should be freaked out, concerned or sorry for her. If he was completely honest, he was happy she wasn't in love with someone else. Someone else? What's that supposed to mean? She's still out of bounds. Alice. And her fiancé.

"Do you know why I have the guitar with me? Because I wasn't planning on returning home. I was running away when Herrison found me. But I don't think I'm strong enough for this." Jessie's voice cracked and she sank her face into her hands.

Jimmy covered the space between them and hugged her. "Yes you are. It's nothing but a choice."

Jessie raised her head out of her hands and looked at him questioningly.

"You could go back home and be safe, but unhappy," he said. "That's the easy path. Then there's the hard road. Walk out on him, have things your way. It's tough, but somewhere along the way, you might find happiness." Jimmy sighed. "I took the hard road and I'm not sorry. So what if I hurt? At least I'm free."

Jessie stared at him for what seemed like hours. Jimmy looked back at her, wondering what was going on behind those beautiful eyes. He wished she'd risk it and leave her fiancé. He also tried to convince himself that he wanted it because she deserved to be happy and not because it made her available.

"Thank you." She wrapped her arms around his neck and squeezed tightly. "Thanks for setting me free," she whispered in his ear.

The heat ran through him as though they'd never been interrupted. Did this mean she would be taking his advice or that she wanted the obstacle out of the way, too? He shouldn't even be doing this. He'd pleaded temporary insanity last time. But he couldn't help bending towards her, searching for her mouth.

"Jimmy, don't do this," she whispered, but kept her arms around him.

"Stop me," he whispered back. If she didn't, he couldn't pull away.

"Stop it! I've had enough of this!" came Angie's voice from nearby.

Jimmy and Jessie jerked apart and turned their heads towards the trees. Kyle and Kay stepped into the crescent moon, scowls on both their faces, with Angie in hot pursuit.

"You're saying you'd trust me blindly?" Kay demanded, wheeling around in mid-step to face Kyle. "Just because I say something, it would make it true?"

"Yes!" Kyle said. "Because I love you, I trust you. I'd believe you over anyone."

"Damn it, Kay! Why are you doing this?" Angie said, her eyes full of tears. "Why are you pushing him away? You still have him. He's trying to convince you he loves you and..." Her voice cracked. "Here's my advice to you: don't be an idiot."

"I'm not being an idiot," Kay shouted. She looked at Kyle, her fists clenched. "If I didn't hear it out of your mouth, I would've never believed it. But it's a matter of when to believe you."

"When I'm mentally sane," Kyle answered on a much softer tone.

"I don't buy this whole trance stuff. Your blackouts don't work that way. You told me all about it."

"It's not the same thing." Kyle winced and stepped back.

She raised her eyebrows. "Not the same thing? Like you're having two types of blackouts or...?"

Kyle didn't answer. He shut his eyes and grabbed hold of his head. Jimmy rushed to Kay and pulled her behind him.

"What are you doing?" she asked outraged.

"That thing you don't buy? It's happening." Jimmy walked towards Kyle cautiously and reached out his hands.

Kyle's eyes shot open, narrowed with anger. Jimmy stopped, waiting. Nobody moved. Kyle clenched his fists and Jimmy crouched. This wasn't going to be a talking trance. It seemed that real-life anger didn't disappear. He lunged at Kyle and brought him to the ground, immobilizing him. Kyle struggled to escape, but Jimmy held his wrists firmly. If there was one good part, Kyle wasn't using his full strength.

"Kyle, calm down. You have to fight this thing," he said loudly.

"What's your problem?" Kyle said, still struggling.

"Maybe you should knock him out," Jessie said sounding worried.

Jimmy pushed his weight over Kyle to keep him from getting up, but didn't want to knock him out. He'd calm down soon. The one thing he'd learned about Kyle's trances was that the more sudden they were, the shorter.

The struggle lasted a few more seconds after which Kyle stopped moving and stared up. He blinked a few times then looked at Jimmy.

"Why are you on top of me?

Jimmy got up, exhaling with relief. "Trance. I tackled you right away so you were no trouble."

Kyle sat up and rubbed his head. "Man, it hurts worse every time." He looked at Kay and froze.

Jimmy looked at her, too. Her mouth was open and her eyes wide and fearful. She closed her mouth and swallowed. Angie had a similar expression on her face, only that she seemed confused rather than scared.

"What's going on?" Kay asked in a trembling voice. "How...?" She stared at everyone in turn.

"Kay, it's alright. It's over." Kyle stood and took a step towards her.

Kay stepped back. "I don't..." She shook her head.

Kyle clenched his teeth and shut his eyes for a second. Jimmy bent his knees, ready to pounce in case it was another trance. Instead, Kyle opened his eyes again, a pressing sadness to him.

"I'm sorry for what I said. I don't remember it, but I didn't mean it. I just want you back. We're both messed up enough already. We don't need this."

Kay stared at him and her chin began to quiver. Fat tears rolled down her face. "I don't know...I...I need to be alone for a while." She wheeled around and left the clearing at top speed, away from camp.

Kyle made to follow, but Angie got in front of him.

"No, let her calm down." She looked over her shoulder. "If this didn't knock some sense into her, nothing will. I'm sorry you have to go through this, but Kay is really..."

"Angie, I know how long it takes her to make up her mind." Kyle smiled weakly. "But the wait is usually worth it. Jimmy, come with me." He wheeled around and started toward camp.

Jimmy caught up and walked silently next to him until they reached the center of camp. Jerry had lit the fire already. Jimmy felt oddly self-conscious. For some reason, he was sure that Kyle was going to tell him off for hitting on Jessie. It was still hard to believe he'd done something like that.

"I want to go look for Sam, Tom and Billy," Kyle said out of the blue.

Jimmy jumped. Relief came so fast, he actually felt guilty. "Yeah, I know. We were just waiting for the smoke to clear..."

"We'll take the chance. We don't have time to wait."

Jimmy nodded. "I'll help you. I'll ask Jessie if she wants to come, too. Maybe Kay?" he added quickly.

Kyle's eyes narrowed the slightest bit. "You seem nervous. Did something happen with Jessie?"

What is he, a mind reader? He bit his lip, playing for time. "I'm getting a bit confused," he finally said. It was true.

Kyle smiled. "It was about time. Anyway, I think we should head out tomorrow morning and poke around. If they're not dead, I don't want to leave them here."

*

Kay stumbled over bushes and vines, trying to get as far away as possible. Her mind was a complete mess and guilt threatened to choke her. How could she not believe Kyle? He was right. After all they'd been through, she should know better. But somehow, she still couldn't believe it. The pain and the worry mixed, creating an unexpected monster of a feeling. The only thing she was sure of was that she had to get away and think.

Something was terribly wrong with Kyle – he hadn't lied about the blackouts. But why was this happening? Could the shock of his brothers' deaths have caused all this? Unless it was temporary insanity, she didn't know what else to call it. But what if it wasn't temporary? And that was where fear kicked it. She couldn't forget the anger in his eyes, the violent reaction. It was as if he were a totally different person. A person she feared.

He'd changed so much. His playfulness was gone, he was always stressed, serious... Even his clothes had changed, reduced to a simple combination of black jeans and white or black t-shirt. She was sure she'd changed too, but having missed so much of Kyle's life scared her.

I love you. I trust you. Kyle's words spun inside her head. He was ready to fight to the end for his beliefs, for her. Why couldn't she do it? Why couldn't she trust that everything would be okay? This wasn't who she was. What had that year apart done to her?

Tears fogged her vision as she trekked over a large rock. She was too afraid of getting hurt and it made her sick. Why couldn't she be brave like Kyle and fight for their love? Why was she running away?

Kay dropped on a rundown tree trunk and sunk her face in her hands, letting the tears flow. She was a horrible person. A coward.

Hours seemed to pass while she cried her eyes out. Darkness surrounded her completely and she wasn't even sure she could return to camp. The wind rustled through the trees and odd croaking sounds reached her. She wiped her eyes, trying to fight the panic.

"Hello, my dear."

Kay jumped so violently she toppled off the tree and got lost in the undergrowth. She grabbed on to a vine and pulled herself to her feet. Snitch Gravel stood before her, his eyes narrowed.

"Not having a great day, are you?" he continued as though they frequently discussed. "Heard about the fight. Bad timing." He shook his head.

"How do you know about the fight?" Kay asked, trying to keep her voice from trembling.

"You didn't bother keeping it down." Snitch Gravel shook his head as though he understood perfectly.

Kay looked from left to right, expecting to see more cronies coming out of the shadows. Oddly enough, Snitch Gravel seemed to be alone. She should run, but she feared more men lurked around.

"I was hoping to run into you," Snitch Gravel said conversationally.

Kay stopped her erratic left to right movement. "You were hopping... You think I'll take you inside camp? You're crazy!"

He rolled his eyes. "As you've noticed in Jessie's case, I wouldn't need you to lead me inside camp. I could just follow. But that's not what I want. I'm pretty happy with how things are going. Except for one little thing. I need to talk to Kyle."

Kay's jaw dropped. She shook her head and closed her mouth. "You need to talk to Kyle?" She should make a run for it. Snitch Gravel was surely talking her into a trap. She took one step back.

"Yes. I just found out something that shook my world. I'm...I..." Snitch Gravel bit his lip and Kay forgot all about running away. She had never seen him look so human.

"I've watched him and his brat brothers ever since they were born," Snitch Gravel finally said. "There were certain signs, but I ignored them. I didn't think... I'm Kyle's real father."

Kay gasped and her hand darted to her chest. It became very hard to breathe. "You're lying!"

He scratched his head. "I know how this sounds – unlikely. But it's not for you to judge my past." His eyes narrowed. "I did this on a whim. One of my men pointed out some physical similarities and I fell for it. I had a DNA test done out of curiosity."

"You couldn't have done that," Kay shrieked. "You need his blood for it."

"I had his blood. That cut he got some time back. I used the blood on the knife." Snitch Gravel shrugged. "Trust me, it was a bigger shock for me. I have all the proof you could desire back at my base. I was hoping you would help me break it to him."

Kay stared at him for a few seconds then her mind started working properly. This was a trick to capture her and force Kyle to come after her. "You're just trying to use me as bait."

Snitch Gravel groaned. "If I wanted to use you as bait, I would have come here with a bunch of men and take you, not try to reason with you. I really hoped I wouldn't have to resort to this, but if you help me, there might be something I can do for you. I seem to know where your dear brother is. Help me and I'll help you. I won't force you to come with me." He wheeled around and walked off.

"My brother?" She couldn't believe it. She rushed to catch up with him. "My brother disappeared two years ago. What do you know about him?"

Snitch Gravel glanced at her over his shoulder. "All in due time. It's up to you whether you want to find out." He continued his way through the vegetation.

Kay stood rooted, her heart beating wildly. She didn't know what to believe and couldn't tell what she felt anymore. Confusion, fear, guilt and curiosity battled inside her, but she couldn't tell where they came from. The sound of his footsteps was fading. She had to make up her mind.

Kay shut her eyes and let the impulse drive her. She ran through the trees, after Snitch Gravel.

AN: So... thoughts? Especially on Jessie and Kay. I think you can already tell that things are getting... complicated. Not much left to go now :)

Don't forget to leave a vote and/or comment if you're having as much fun as I am :D