Where the Heart is.. (O/A)

[Sagittarius girl]

▧ ▧ ▧ ▧ ▧ ▧ Alonexxx andxxx helpless ▧ ▧ ▧ xxlike you've ▧ ▧ ▧ ▧ ▧ ▧ ▧ ▧ ▧ ▧ ▧ lost your fight ▧ ▧ ▧ ▧ ▧ ▧ ▧

Miles felt himself falling into a sleep. How long had it been since he’d actually been able to sleep? Peacefully? Too long. The ride here had been exhausting he was able to get maybe an hour or so of sleep before something happened that woke him back up. It was either a baby fussing or some loud mouths who didn’t know a lick of English let alone they apparently had never been taught how to use their inside voices. It had been a hell of a trip to say the least. But at least he was here and god he couldn’t wait to crawl into a bed or hell rest up on the couch. Either way he was looking forward to some peace and quiet.

However that peace and quiet would have to wait as his lashes lifted and he looked toward Wyatt as he nodded. “Cool.” He uttered as he looked away from his friend for a moment and looked out at the field before hearing Tucker mention that the new guy was flirting with Piper.

He grunted and looked back at him. “Seriously?” He asked nearly missing the teasing tone that was in his friends voice before snorting and folding his arms over his chest and looked back toward the field. Too quiet. He yawned as Wyatt brought up Mr. and Mrs Collin. He sighed and looked down. “Almost didn’t come back to be honest. But I knew the ranch would need a pair of worked hands and that…” I wanted to be here for her, but he left that unsaid as he released another heavy sigh and looked up at him. A smirk touching his mouth. “Better watch your tongue around that little girl. I’m sure there’s some law that Beau can come up with that ya broke just to kick your a**.” He teased, trying to make light of the situation.

But he knew deep down that a random wise a** remark wouldn’t take away that shadow that resided over the ranch or those that had been touched by Piper and Ronie’s parents. It would take a long time before any of them, or anyone in the town really, to get over the untimely death. He released a heavy sigh. “Not all that hungry but I’ll go in and keep an eye on this new guy. I don’t know what possessed Pipes to higher him on the spot.” He said as he shook his head before pushing himself off of the narrow beam and taking a few steps forward. His gaze locked with the other males.

“Look sorry bout being a d**k in there. But just so ya know I’m not leaving here and I’m hell bent on having Piper this time. I’m not going to let her slip through the cracks like I did before.” He uttered, his voice was firm and his eyes shown with a determination that made it clear he wasn’t going down with out a fight.

“So if there is anything going on with you and her you better back off or prepare for a fight cause I’m not going to loose her again.” He said before he strode forward, pushing the door open as he went inside and found the sisters near each other and Lily plopped into Beau’s lap. He chuckled before hearing the conversation about pokemon cards. He’d been big into such things when he was a kid but he figured they would have died on and the kids would have moved onto something…new and better. Guess not. So with another soft chuckle he moved across the room and snatched his bottle of rum off the counter where he’d left it and took a mouthful of the spicy brew. All the while keeping an eye on the girls on the other side of the sink.

Toby was closer to him then them and they seemed to be in a private conversation. His mind drifted back to what he’d said to Wyatt and he met each word. He wasn’t letting her go this time.

▧ ▧ ▧ ▧ ▧ ▧ ▧ ▧ ▧ Cause when push comes ▧ ▧ ▧ ▧ to shove ▧ ▧ ▧ ▧ ▧ ▧ ▧ ▧ ▧ ▧ You taste what ▧ you're made of ▧ ▧

[Atomske123]

Toby Kyler


Toby quietly took the pitcher and tea bags from Veronica and watched her turn. A small grin formed on his face, he knew eventually everyone would be fine or at the very least act like it. He decided to keep his mouth shut and make the tea. Toby walked over to the sink and filled the pitcher with cold water. As the pitcher slowly filled, he took a quick look around at everyone in the room. There were a few people he'd yet to meet but he get to that later.

Toby's attention turned back to the task he was given and he put a few bags into the pitcher. within a few minutes the tea would be ready. He set the pitcher on the counter, leaned next to it and noticed Miles had come in. "Hey Miles, you got a second?". Toby figured Miles would be able to help him with names.

[Sagittarius girl]

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When Beau gave in and handed off the little one she held her against her side as she felt a small shiver slide down her spine as the little girl’s father rested his hand on her lower back. It wasn’t odd. Ok ya it was. Sure all three of the guys were protective over the girls but this just felt odd.

But Lilly quickly brushed it off of her shoulders as Cecilia decided she didn’t want to be held and wiggled her way down. The petite blonde set the little girl down and watched as she ran over to hug Piper and then Wyatt. Going on about her sled idea and the North Pole. Dark chocolate pools lifted as she looked back up at Buea who seemed to be deep in thought. “Don’t hurt yourself there officer.” She teased before shifting her gaze back toward the rest of the gang.

It was odd having everyone back all in the same place. Especially Miles who she watched as Beau began to talk to him. Her attentions however were quickly snatched by Piper as she called her shorty. Lilly snorted and raised her brow. “Ok just cause you got one-” She held up a single finger to emphasize her point. “ inch on me doesn’t mean you have the right to call me shorty.” She uttered but soon the serious, determined, oh no you didn’t expression dissolved away and was released by a broad grin.

“Nummies.” She said simple as she walked over and pinched the edges of the tin foil and pealed it back. Beneath was a golden layer of bubbling cheese and instantly the room began to smell of the delicious concoction. “No he can cook, if its in a box.” She teased as she cast her gaze over her shoulder toward Beau yet found he wasn’t in the room.

“Where’d tall dark and handsome run off to?” She asked and then realized that Miles had made a disappearing act as well. “Ok Imma kick some tall men a** here soon. I haven’t even gotten a hug from Miles yet and already he’s run’n off on me.” She uttered nearly missing that Piper too had been looking for her former partner in crime. She took the bottle from Piper and smirked.

“Oh ya Beau’s defiantly going to have to drive me home.” She said with a small giggle as she heard Beau’s voice and reached down to her pocket. Snatching her bottle opener that hung from her key chain and with skilled hands she popped the cap off of the beer and took a swig as she turned around to see Veronica. She stepped aside so that the younger sister could get close to her sister and watched as Beau took a seat.

Lily set her bottle down on the table and watched as Piper began to gather some paper plates and cups along with some various drinks. “I’m not eating Pipes. I have been sworn to make some steaks when I get back home.” She said as Piper mentioned Miles. A small smirk curved her mouth as she moved next to her friend and lightly bumped her with her hip. “Ya know if you don’t snag that boy up I sure as hell will and damn he is looking fine.” She whispered, it was no secret to any of them that Miles had a thing for Piper yet the Collins girl was a complete ditz when it came to men so Lilly felt it was her duty to give her a little push.

Lil righted herself and winked at the eldest Collins girl and moved over toward Beau as she passed her beer she snatched it up and soon found her way into the cops lap. “Yep you are most defiantly driving me home. Oh and no eating the nummies here. I have five steaks I need to cook and there’s no way you’re living my house with out eating your fair share.” She said matter of factly, he wasn’t getting out of it as far as she was concerned. Her head instantly snapped toward Piper as she nearly swore.

Giggling softly as she took another swig of her beer and rested back against Beau. That odd feeling returning but she yet again pushed it to the back of her mind as Miles came back in. Yet that wasn’t truly what had gained her attention. Some random guy just happened to walk into the room.

“Who in the he-heck are you?” She asked narrowing her eyes slightly as she stood up and looked at him. She knew almost everyone in town and he wasn’t one of them so who the ******** was he and why the ******** was he in her besties home? If anyone in this group had a temper it was her and she wasn't one for holding it on a leash either. And god did she know how to hit hard if it came down to it. Miles had pissed her off once when they were kids and he had a black eye for about a week for it. So she had no qualms with knocking some random creeper on his bottom.
ooddiles of catfish: ...

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[Atomske123]

Toby Kyler


Toby looked towards the Collins, they weren't yelling at each other or yelling at all for that matter. Even though he hadn't known them before today, he was glad they were getting along. It must have been great having siblings to hang out with but Toby understood how they could get on each others nerves from time to time. Despite what might happen, he loved how siblings never stayed mad at each other.

Toby continued gazing around the room, stopping on anyone he didn't know. His attention was grabbed by a woman questioning him. Her tone was the same as the guy from earlier, demanding and distrusting. He didn't really blame any of them for being suspicious but after a while it would probably get annoying. "Hi, I'm Toby. The Collins hired me to help around the house." He extended his hand as he introduced himself and gave her a smile. "Nice to make yer acquaintance, what can I call you?"

[~Atora_Renae~]

P I P E R XXXX M A E XXXX C O L L I N

Cleaning up the mess she had caused a few seconds ago, she found Toby was right beside her trying to help her out. She heard Roni say something about making tea if he wanted to be useful, and she could feel a grin tug at the edge of her mouth.. Toby moved away and that was when she heard her sister say something she never thought she'd hear from her sister's mouth, ever..

Without saying anything Piper released the towels and reached over and squeezed her sister’s hand tightly. “Me too Roni.” She replied, giving her a small smile before she went back to cleaning up the mess she had caused. The paper towels were covered in a darker color and were sobbing wet. "Love paper towels.' She said to herself as she finished cleaning up the floor now.

Her eyes shifted over towards her friends, Lily who was resting herself on Beau's lap, she felt a bit jealous seeing this in her kitchen. She never admitted it to anyone but she had always had a huge crush on Beau and her friend had was always the bold one with men. Plus, the comment about her snagging up Miles was still swarming in the back of her mind. What did she mean about that? They were just friends, always were and pretty much always will be. He didn’t like her like that! Piper always assumed that he liked Lily or some other girl. Why would he even think of her like that? She hated that Lily even put that idea in her head, now she was going to act all strange around him, probably. Lily had left her speechless at that part, she didn’t even know what to say about that..

That was when Lily asked who Toby was and she felt like she should kick herself in her own a**, rather than waiting for Lily to do so.. Once she found out she hired him without thinking twice she was sure not only her but Beau would talk her ear off probably..She figured it was best she told them now, rather waiting. "Well I hired him.." Piper did her best to smile at her friends and turned away as she reached for the coke and rum. Yeah, she was so going to need a drink now.. That was when she heard Toby introducing himself to Lily and she really wanted to escape. The girl had a temper and if you didn’t know, best hold on for the ride and pray the her best friend wouldn’t hit you..

“Well..” She said softly to herself as she looked back at the food. “Whoever isn’t having steak can help them-selves." She found herself not wanting to eat as she finished putting another shot of rum into her cup and twisted the lid close before lifting up the cup and drinking a few sips of it. Just those few sips made her legs tingle a bit. Maybe not being able to eat right in the past three days would do that do you.

She gave Beau's girl a smile before she kneeled down and told her that she had her room all set up if she wanted to go play in it. Plus, if Lily was going to start going off on the new guy she really didn't want the little one to hear any screaming going on in the house. After that she moved away from the girl and found herself wanting to get out of the kitchen as fast as she could..

She did her best to sneak out of the back door and found herself on the back porch. It wrapped around the front, but she wasn’t in the mood going anywhere else. She leaned up against the wall and dangling from her hand was her cup at her side. Grey-blue eyes stared out at the barn, she had the urge to go ride one of her horses, in the storm. That would really piss them off…. Her ridding out in the open while lighting was striking the ground. Yeah that would really go well with the boys and Lily and probably Roni..

Oh, this is how it starts, lightning strikes the heart It goes off like a gun, brighter than the sun
Oh, we could be the stars, falling from the sky
Shining how we want, brighter than the sun

[~Atora_Renae~]

Two Days Later



Date: May Tenth, Saturday

Loction: Lily's Bar, directly after the funeral of the Collin's Parents..

Weather: Warm, Sunny outside..

Time: Little after Two..

[Dyna_West]

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx»»»Walter Elwood "Beau" Beauregard

I might have a reckless streak
At least a country-mile wide
If you're gonna run with me
It's gonna be a wild ride

Beau sat on the bar, leaning forward with his forearms on his legs, his fingers laced together. He was wearing the darkest pair of jeans he owned, and a black button up shirt and scuffed loafers. The shirt was untucked and his hair was an unruly mess, matching the scruff he’d developed on his face from not shaving the past three days. His usually laughing gray eyes were downcast, trained on the floor, and were hardly smiling. They had all just gotten back from the funeral. The big, awful day they had all been avoiding… or at least he had. It was the first funeral he’d been to since his brother’s passing. To say it conjured up bad memories was an understatement. He hadn’t been able to see the Collins in their caskets. They had appeared to him as his brother. Aside from having to relive that moment, he was furious with himself… ashamed that he couldn’t concentrate on the people he was supposed to be there for. It had put him in a dark mood ever since. The only silver lining was that Cecilia had been deposited with Stacey for the day. Beau didn’t think she needed to see the Collins in caskets, unmoving.

It was only two o’clock, but Beau straightened up and reached behind him to the shelves behind the bar. He didn’t ask, but he plucked a bottle of Jack off the shelf. He set it next to him and shifted his weight, fishing his wallet out of his back pocket. He set a twenty dollar bill on the other side of the Jack bottle and unscrewed it. He took a long pull from it before passing it Veronica who was in front of him, not looking much better.

She was dressed in a short, dark green wrap dress with a sheer black sweater thing that fell all the way to her ankles. Her black high heels were shiny with a thin heel and a bright red bottom. Her hair was pulled back into a messy bun, a few stray strands framing her face, but in a way so perfect he was sure she’d spent hours getting it that way. The brief time he’d spent in a relationship with Stacey he’d discovered all the mysteries surrounding women were actually carefully planned. She looked paler than normal, her dark blue eyes lost somehow. She hadn’t cried, surprisingly. But she also hadn’t said much to anyone either. She mumbled her thanks and greetings at the funeral, the bare minimum to meet the required social interactions. Beau also noticed that she hadn’t touched anyone. He had offered a hand during the service but she had clutched something in her own hands the entire time. She also didn’t hug anyone.

She took the bottle from him, again careful not to even accidentally brush fingers with him. She leaned against the bar next to him, taking an even longer drink from the bottle than he did. He raised a brow, a brief moment of lifted grief, before the weight pressed down again. It was like a Warden, denying him any peace or happiness.

Watching her nurse the bottle of Jack like a baby’s bottle, Beau couldn’t help wondering if she would dart back to New York that very day. She had nothing here, not really. The day before they had talked, spent most of the day together actually. She told him about her brief encounter with Wyatt, the fight with Piper. And then she told him everything else. Virtually her entire life from leaving Alabama to returning. He didn’t like hearing about the porn, but it sounded like she was stable in New York. Successful like she had never been here. The few moments he wasn’t completely absorbed in himself in their youth, he had watched her struggle with her identity. He might not like the one she had in New York, but at least she finally had one.

Which was why he was surprised to hear her talk about making plans…

“Johnny McVane said they’re having a Rebel Rodeo Monday… He said the pot should be up to 2 grand because this’ll be the closest stop on the Circuit for qualifying rounds… They expect riders state wide to come in… We should go.”

It was the most she had said all day, and it was said clearly, not hushed under her breath.

When it comes to loving you
I've got velvet hands
I'll show you how a real bad boy
Can be a real good man

[Sagittarius girl]

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Lily stood alone in the back room, looking with blank unseeing eyes at the wine rack. Today had been the hardest thing that she’d ever had to watch and she’d shed tears for the first time in a long time. Mr. and Mrs. Collin’s were really gone. Reality was finally settling in for the wild child. It was a cold and harsh one that knocked her off of her feet and stole the breath from her lungs. She remembered each moment from the time that she was bucked off of their unbroken stallion, Thunder, and fractured her wrist. How Mr. Collin came to her rescue and Mrs. Collin took her to the emergency room. To when she snuck off to the hay loft and lost her virginity to Chris Mc’Allen. So many memories were with the Collin.

As the memories danced in her mind she could feel the silver tears trickling down her cheeks. Thank god she’d placed water-proof mascara and eyeliner on. She lightly brushed her fingers beneath her lower lids and took away all trace of her tears as she walked forward and collected two bottles of wine from the shelf and she tucked them under her arm as she grabbed the wine bottle opener that hung on the side of the shelf and turned around. Heading out into the bar she slipped behind the bar and looked at Veronica and Beau, offering them a smile as she set the bottles down on the counter top and gathered glasses for each person attending the memorial that she’d thrown together.

She set the glasses down on the counter and popped the quark of one of the wine bottles and poured everyone a glass. She took her own glass and walked to the small stage that on either side hade a reef with pictures of Mr. and Mrs. Collin. Behind her stood a large poster with all the pictures she could gather of the ranch, of the girls with their parents and of all the pictures she owned of the Collin’s family. She cleared her throat and lightly tapped the glass of wine to gather everyone’s attention.

“Hi ya’ll.” She held back a sniffle and cleared her throat. “I’d like to thank everyone for coming here today in memory of our beloved-” Her pools flickered toward the two reefs on either side of her and then back out to the small crowd. “Mother. Father. Best friend. One of the most loved families in this town. They have touched each of our hearts.” She looked down and bit back a soft sob. “Rescued us when we foolishly tried to climb on the back of a stallion who obviously wasn’t yet broken.” She uttered with a small giggle as she sniffled and whipped her eyes as she looked back up at them.

“Or gave you a summer job up at the ranch. Backed the most delicious cookies and other goodies. Mr. and Mrs. Collin will never be forgotten they will live on in each of us. Especially in their two beautiful daughters who I can call my best friends and sisters.” Her pools looked to Piper and then to Veronica. “I love you two so much and to help you out. Ben will you get the check from behind the bar?” She asked looking to one of her employees who she’d asked to come in tonight. Who quickly moved behind the bar and grabbed the check and walked over to Lilly and handed it to her.

“Piper, Ronnie I’d like to give you this check of a thousand dollars to help keep the ranch on it’s feet. I know it’s not much but it’s all that I was able to pull together. Now don’t fight me on this girls or I’ll just getcha really drunk and give it to you then.” She uttered with a small giggle. “Now come up here and get this.” She waited till the came and handed them the money.

She gave them each a hug, before turning her attentions back toward the crowd. “Now if each of you will grab a glass of wine.” Just as she said it Ben brought two glasses to the sisters and handed one to each. “To Mr. and Mrs. Collin. Our mother, our father, our best friend. Our implorers. The most loved family in this small town. May they forever be in our hearts.” She held up her glass before taking a generous sip, leading everyone in a toast.

ooddiles of catfish: ...

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[Sagittarius girl]

▧ ▧ ▧ ▧ ▧ ▧ Alonexxx andxxx helpless ▧ ▧ ▧ xxlike you've ▧ ▧ ▧ ▧ ▧ ▧ ▧ ▧ ▧ ▧ ▧ lost your fight ▧ ▧ ▧ ▧ ▧ ▧ ▧

“Come on Miles we’re going to be late.” His sister shouted as she ran past the door way only to go back the other way. “Where are my heels.” She shouted and he chuckled as he looked next to him where a pair of black peak-a-boo pumps rested. He leaned down and slid his fingers into the band of the heels and stood walking over to the door way as she ran past once more and he cleared his throat.

“You mean these?” He asked watching as she halted her sprinting and skidded across the smooth wooden floors in her stockings. Turning around just as quickly to look at what he held out to her. She smiled and walked up to him and gave him a hug. It lasted a long few minutes before she kissed his cheek and took the heels. Bracing a hand on his bicep as she slipped them on. Hopping as she did such and righted herself and slipped on the other with the same amusing act as with the first.

They were heading to the Funeral together and then after they were going to go to Lily’s bar for the memorial. Today was going to be a hard day for everyone, especially the girls. He watched as his sister finally righted herself and released a sigh turning toward him. “Ya know you clean up pretty good.” She uttered as she stepped forward and adjusted his collar for him. He war a white button down shirt, tailored perfectly for his broad frame and a jacket. He’d tried for a tie but those things were from the devil and he always had a problem fixing one up. So he opted out of that and wore a pair of black slacks and black shoes. While his sister was in a simple black velvet cocketail dress with a hem just above the knee. Her blonde hair was poker straight with half of it clipped back.

“I try.” He uttered with a smile as he handed her her purse and in taking it they left her small apartment.


~Two hours later at Lily’s Bar~

Miles took his jacket off and laid it across the bar as he leaned against it. His gaze flickered toward Lily as she fiddled behind the bare getting out glasses for each person who was there; or so he assumed before she poured wine into each bottle. The funeral had been tough for each of them and his gaze shifted toward Beau and Ronnie who were down a little ways from him. Poor girl. He thought, apart of him wanting to reach out to her and give her comfort but she’d been very with drawn all day..then again could you blame her?

His gaze slid toward his sister who sat on a stole just in front of him. She’d gone very quite since they left the apartment. Then again neither had he. Miles glanced toward the stage as Lily began to speak. Watching her intently as she gave a toast and he smiled as she gave the girls some money to help keep the ranch afloat. Granted Piper was going to be very, very pissed about it. But that wouldn’t matter to Lil, she’d give everything she had to help even if that left her broke. The girl had a heart of gold. However it was so rarely seen because she kept it incased in a foot of stone.

He couldn’t blame her though she’d been hurt more times in her life, it was her right if she didn’t want to let you in. But if you did don’t ******** it up or she’d break your nose. God that girl knew how to hit. With a sigh he reached behind his sister and grabbed two glasses one for himself and one for her as he held it up, taking this drink for Mr. and Mrs. Collin. They would be missed. That was for sure. Miles took a drink of the rich wine savoring the taste as he closed his eyes.

▧ ▧ ▧ ▧ ▧ ▧ ▧ ▧ ▧ Cause when push comes ▧ ▧ ▧ ▧ to shove ▧ ▧ ▧ ▧ ▧ ▧ ▧ ▧ ▧ ▧ You taste what ▧ you're made of ▧ ▧

[~Atora_Renae~]

The bathroom had been her greatest friend for the last half hour since they left her parent’s funeral. She was staring herself in the mirror as she tried to convince herself to walk out there and greet everyone..She just couldn't bring herself to doing that just yet.. She didn’t bother with any make-up today and her hair was brushed and let down, at least she was able to do that. She wore a black dress with a white belt around her waist and she had a pair of black boots that reached her knees. She kept telling herself she could go back out there and face everyone...

It was hard, she hated how everyone came up to her and felt sorry for her and wanted to hug her or even touch her. She didn’t want that and every time someone would say… ‘Oh you look so much like your mother’ She wanted to kick and scream at them.

“Pipes?” She heard his deep voice and closed her eyes as the door closed and that was when she felt a strong arm wrap around her waist and the other pulling her fingers away from the sink. He closed his arms around her locking her against his hard chest as she felt him kiss the top of her head. Her eyes opened up as she stared at Wyatt in the mirror. He was dressed nice as well in a button up dark red shirt, a black jacket that was now off and hanging someone where and a pair of black slacks and well he kept his black boots on..

“Wyatt I can’t..” She whispered as she felt her body give him against his warm embrace. He wasn’t letting her go and he wasn’t going to no for an answer. “You know if you don’t get your a** out there Lily will drag you out.”

“Let the b***h try.” She said, but she felt her lips tug into a small smile. Wyatt laughed as he released his hold on Piper and she turned around wrapping her arms around his waist and she squeezed him the best she could. “Thanks.” She told him as she felt him reach for her hands and he pulled them away. “Anytime love. Now lets go, think Lily is giving out free drinks.” He told her and with that hand and hand they walked out of the bathroom. Holding his hand didn’t mean nothing it was more the support she needed right now and right now he felt like a rock…


That was when she heard Lily coming from the stage and Piper stop. “What the hell is she doing know?” She said looking up at Wyatt’s blank stares. She heard her friend talk about her parents and she felt a tear sneak away from her eye before she cleared it away as if it never happened. She then heard her name and Ronnie’s name and that made her snap her head over towards her sister. When she heard she was giving them a check for a thousand dollars Piper squeezed the life out of Wyatt’s hand. “I’m going to rip that check into small little pieces.” She mumbled under her breath as she felt Wyatt pushing her towards Lily. She released his hand and shot him a look as she took the glass that was for her. She glared at Lily as her friend gave her a huge and when everyone raised their glass to their mouths she did as well. She didn’t take the check from Lily instead she downed the rest of her drink and step back.


"You're a b***h hope you know that." She told Lily and found a small smile brushing her lips once more. "I just can't take it." Piper leaned in and kissed her friend's cheek before setting the glass down and walking off the stage.

She moved quickly through the crowd as they tried to talk to her and she ignored them all. She couldn’t stand people staring at her like this, sure it was different when she would do her barrel racing in the rodeo which one was coming up soon. She wasn’t sure if she was going to go in this time.. It was a lot of money for first place. She had tomorrow to sign up if she wanted to do it still.. Sucking in air she asked for the strongest drink they got and she hurried out the side door to sit outside. She just couldn’t stand being closed in with everyone and waiting for her to slip up and start to cry..

Wyatt moved away from the stage as he watched his friend move outside. He had the same idea seeing Lily and Ronnie both up there together was hard on him. He couldn't help it, but he had feelings for them both... He just wasn't sure who's was stronger and what they were for.. He ran his fingers through his hair and moved towards the bar next to Beau.

Oh, this is how it starts, lightning strikes the heart It goes off like a gun, brighter than the sun
Oh, we could be the stars, falling from the sky
Shining how we want, brighter than the sun

[Atomske123]

Toby Kyler


Toby tried to reach the bar while his truck was willing to move. The engine had been idling weird lately and he hadn't found time to fix it. He was in a bit of a hurry to meet up with everybody, time managed to get away from him today and the 3 hours of sleep he managed in the past two days wasn't helping. "Maybe the funeral went on a little longer.", he thought. As he recalled the Collins were loved by everyone it wouldn't surprise him if the funeral was long.


As he pulled in, Toby let his truck shut off with a hiss and quickly made his way to the door. He casually walked in to find the group already there and Lily was donating a little something to the ranch. Toby made his way to a corner table and lit himself a cigarette. He wanted to let the others continue their conversations while he cleared his head.

[Dyna_West]

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx『Veronica Catherine Collins』

Veronica moved up to the stage but she felt detached from her body. It wasn’t until Lily’s words resonated in her ears that she snapped back to herself. She took a glass of wine that was offered her and threw it back without thinking. It was soon empty and sitting on a stray table near her. She watched as Piper did what Piper always did and put her pride first. Ronie sighed and followed with her eyes as Piper stopped first at the bar then disappeared outside. Smiling slightly, a mere upturning of the corner of her mouth, she turned to Lily. She took the check from her gently and tucked it under the strap of her bra, as she held no purse or pockets. She hugged Lily awkwardly and spoke low so only Lily could hear. “I’ll make sure it gets into the Ranch account… I know how to fudge the books.”

Ronie stepped back again, smiling more now. She went to walk back to the bar but found Wyatt there. Since their… strained… encounter in the old barn, she’d fallen into the old habit of avoiding him at all costs. It hadn’t been difficult, as she had spent the majority of the day yesterday alone with Beau or with Piper, getting the estate together, paperwork of the dead. She didn’t want to assess old feelings. She didn’t want to be reminded of the horrible thing she’d done. And she especially didn’t want to remember how very alone she had been since Christine left.

She felt frozen to the stage, unsure where else to go. She didn’t want to follow Piper, and she certainly didn’t want to make unbareable small talk with Miles. She hadn’t done much rekindling of friendships in the few days she’d been back in town. What time wasn’t spent up dealing with death was on the phone, trying to keep her New York affairs in order. She was in the midst of grief, but somehow the World moved on. It kept turning without her, and expected her to jump back on. But it felt like jumping on a train. Surely everything could just stop for a few days, let her recoup. She’d forgotten how slow things moved in the South. And the pace suited her.

Sighing softly under her breath she sat down on the stage, her legs hanging over the edge. She plucked another glass of wine off a tray as it floated by, unseeing who was carrying it. She felt already that she would end up breaking her own rule, about just how drunk she would allow herself to become. And it was only two in the afternoon, wasn’t it… She held the glass between her hands, trying to act like holding the glass was actually very important…

“So Lily…” she began, assuming the woman was still on the stage behind her. “You have Rodeo plans?”

Beau watched with a shake of his head as Lily tried to give Piper a check. Everyone in their group knew better. Lily knew better, but she did it anyways. He finished off whatever drink was in his hand and stood up, stretching. “Girl’s gonna take a step too far one day…” he mumbled to no one in particular, not clarifying which girl he was speaking of. He followed Piper out of the bar as he fished a pack of Marlboros and a lighter out of his shirt pocket. He caught the door behind Piper and shut it behind him, stepping out a little away from her as he pulled a cigarette out of the carton. He was silent as he held it between his lips, lighting up.

It was a habit he’d picked up on the force, the stress of the job. He wasn’t proud of it. He didn’t smoke in front of Cecilia, and rarely in front of Piper or Lily. But everyone had to have a vice. And he wasn’t much for gambling and a raging alcoholic just didn’t fit his MO.

He stuck a hand in his back pocket, holding the cigarette down away from him as he spoke. “You barrel racing this year?” He asked, tapping the ash off the end of the butt. “You probably have a better shot at the purse than anyone else in this town… Probably only going to have out of town competition. And I know Ronie hasn’t seen you race in a while...” He looked over at her, raising his eyebrows in question as he took another drag on the cigarette.



Don't be a bad girl
But if you wanna leave, take good care
I hope you make a lot of nice friends out there
But just remember there's a lot of bad and beware

[~Atora_Renae~]

P I P E R XXXX M A E XXXX C O L L I N

Piper wasn’t paying much attention as to who was following her. She figured it was someone but right now she just wanted to enjoy the warmth and the drink in her hand. Her head turned slightly over her shoulder and she got slight of Beau and she felt her heart doing some sort of jumping against her chest. She had always liked Beau she found him very handsome and she always did her best to be there for him, but Lily had always seemed to win his heart more so hers.. She lowered her eyes away from him and pulled the drink up to her lips and took a very long sip.

When she heard the click of the litter and smelled the smoke in the air she turned to look at the cigarette. Every once in a while Piper would drink and just having one hit of a cigarette felt like heaven to her. She almost asked if she could have one when he asked if she was going to do any barrel racing this year. She exhaled slowly and turned away from him looking at all the cars parked in the parking lot of Lily’s bar.

“I don’t know..” She whispered softly as she closed her eyes. “Since they dead I haven’t been able to ride Thorn.. He seems out of it as well..” He was the untamed horse everyone tried to ride… Lily was the first to jump on there thinking she could do it and well she managed to until he kicked her off. Now he only lets Lily or her on him.. He was fast and she knew she could win that race with him. She just didn’t know if her heart was in it right now.

“I know she hasn’t seen me race in a while. She use to cheer for me every time we would go and I remember I fell off once and lost and she told me I was always a winner in her eyes.. s**t Beau I should have been there for her..” Her grey eyes shifted over towards him. “Thank you for being there for her..” She gave him a light smile before she pushed herself off the wall and took another sip of her drink..

“So you doing anything this year in the Rodeo?” She asked.

Oh, this is how it starts, lightning strikes the heart It goes off like a gun, brighter than the sun
Oh, we could be the stars, falling from the sky
Shining how we want, brighter than the sun

[Sagittarius girl]

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Lily knew that there would be resistance from her friend. Infact she’d anticipated it. Even the harsh words. “Ya but’cha love me.” She uttered as she watched the smile on her friends mouth yet it was clear to her that she was irritated as she said she couldn’t just take it kissed her cheek and walked off the stage. “Piper. Get your proud butt back up here.” She uttered. Her brown pools following her as she moved quickly away from her like she was infected by something. Frowning she was just about to tuck the check away when Roni took it from her. She watched as she gave her a small smile and slipped the check beneath her bra strap.

Her arms went around the younger girl and held her for a moment as she said she’d make sure that she’d put it into the account. “Thanks. I figured she wasn’t going to take it but kinda wish she had.” She whispered as she let the other woman go. Sighing as she looked over toward the door where Piper had conviently escaped out of. Shaking her head as she sighed once more running her fingers through the golden curls that hung loosely about her hear shaped face as she looked back toward Veronica.

Lily’s brows knitted together as she watched the other girl take a seat at the edge of the stage. She bit her lower lip. She knew that Roni hadn’t been the most social person since she returned which was a tad bit odd for her but it was understandable. With her life seeming to spiral out of control she understood. Plus having to deal with not only death but a love sick boy would make anyone’s head spin. She cared about both of them but she didn’t want to see Wyatt hurt again and was in a way thankful that Roni had been keeping her distance. It had nothing to do with the fact that she’d been sleeping with Wyatt, she was probably one of the few girls out there that saw sex for what it was when someone said casual hook ups.

There was no reason to get all strung up and emotional when you knew from the get go that the guy was a player. Lily had seen so many girls in school who would become big pmsing messes when the guy told them that they just wanted sex. I mean hell she’d been labeled a whore in school cause well she didn’t want to settle down. Now did she sleep with as many guys as it was rumored? No…there were a large number of girls that were in the mix too but unknown to the general public.

Lily downed some more of her drink and her heels lightly clicked along the stage. She’d fully intended to sit down next to Roni but halted when she heard her name roll off of the brunettes tongue. “Hmm?” She asked as she finally managed to sit down on the stage floor next to her. Crossing her legs at her ankles and looking at the girl who looked like someone just took her favorite teddy bear. As she asked about the Rodeo a smile touched Lil’s face. “Honestly I’d forgotten about it with…everything going on. But ya I’m thinking of doing a few things..ya know here and there when it comes into town. Plus god only knows that business is going to pick up here.” She groaned and laid back against the floor. Plus she was unpredictable when it came to the Rodeo. She liked to push the envelope a lot. Actually that was how she was with everything.

“Oh god so many drunk asses for me to deal with. Last year I got into two fights with these two joes cause they thought that my a** was public property and they didn’t believe a woman could hit that hard.” She chuckled and then quickly sat up. “Wait are you staying down here longer? I..I kinda figured that once your mom and dad were buried that you’d go home. I know this small town was never something for you. Hell I never thought it was for me either but this bar is my home now and I can’t think of being anywhere else.” She replied. Lily placed her hand on the other woman’s thigh.

“Hey I know that we’ve never been the closest but if you need a place to stay that isn’t with Pipes or if it becomes too much you can stay here. I have a spar room upstairs that has your name on it if you need it.” She smiled warmly and patted the others leg before moving her hand away and gripping the stem of her wine glass and finishing it off. Clearing her throat she set the glass down and looked at the gathering of friendly faces. She still could barely belief that the Collins were gone. “I need a refill.” She uttered and slipped off the counter. “And of something harder.” She glanced at Ronni. “Want anything? I have Jim, Jack and Jose?” She asked with a smile. “Or beer. There’s a lot of that in the back.” She said and waited for the other girl to answer her.
ooddiles of catfish: ...

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