The fourth day

[Joey] *helping her dad cook for the guys before another day of searching for Jonnie* Daddy, maybe you are right, maybe she just wanted to find herself. But, she wouldn't have left Ty like this. Us yes, him, never.

[Alec] *kissing joey* I think she just needed time, maybe her emotions took over and she had to get away. She is very hard headed. *trying to smile* Ty is taking it so hard, it's hard to imagine her going for this long. *hugging Joey as he tears up* She has to come back soon. *turning towards the door as he hears a knock* Maybe that's her.

[Tyler] *standing at the doorway awkwardly, terrified that he wouldn't be wanted there. Afraid that somehow they would know that he had taken Lizzy out the night before, and hate him for it. Somehow thinking they would see that he had given up, even for a little while. He tries to put on a smile as Alec opens the door* Good morning Alec, I'm here to see Ty, I hope that's alright.

[Alec] *motioning for him to come in* He is upstairs with Nate and Lucas. Let me go get him for you. *starting to walk away, turning and softly speaking as he walks* He is a mess, just be prepared.

[Joey] *walking out of the kitchen* Oh, hi Tyler. Hungry? We made breakfast so Nate and Lucas can go back out. They were out all night. *frowning* Still no sign of her.

[Tyler] *feeling guilty for not being with them looking* No, I'm not hungry. Joe you knew her best, are you sure you can't think of anywhere she'd have gone? *shaking his head* I know that's a stupid question, you've probably been asked that a dozen times

[Joey] *Every place I can think of has been checked and rechecked. We filed a missing person report so even the law is helping. If she is around here, we'll find her. *looking at him, then smiling as she sees Ty and Alec enter the room* Hey buddy, look who's here to see you.

[Ty] *seeing his dad he grabs ahold of Alec and starts crying* I don't want to talk to him. He made mommy leave.

[Alec] *handing him to Tyler and grabbing Joey* Let them have some privacy. *looking back sadly as he sees Ty kicking and crying in Tyler's arms*

[Tyler] *feeling his heart breaking as he sits down, struggling to hold on to Ty, hoping he can get through to his child* Ty, baby ... *his voice is thick with tears* Ty I didn't ask your mommy to go. I'm sad she left. We're going to find her.

[Ty] You aren't helping look for her. Uncle Nate said you were not with them. *struggling to break free, tears falling from his face onto Tyler* You don't want her found. You hate her like you hate me.

[Tyler] I wasn't with them last night, but I looked all day yesterday. I promise you son I don't hate you, and I don't hate your mommy. I love you both. I love you so much. *holding him tightly against his chest* And I love your mommy. I'm going to look for her some more today, and I'm going to use everything I can to find her.

[Ty] *pushing him and trying to get up until he gives up* I want my mommy. *crying against Tyler, feeling Tyler loosening his grip Ty breaks free and runs upstairs*

[Tyler] *watching his son run up the stairs away from him Tyler is crushed. He feels so helpless, he doesn't know this child well enough to know how to make him feel better. He's practically a stranger, trying to convince his son how much he loves him*

[Lucas] *carrying Ty back into the room* Hey brother, I have something that belongs to you. *trying to smile but yawning* Ty, your dad came to see you. What is going on buddy?

[Ty] *hugging Lucas' neck* I don't want to see him. He will make me go away too.

[Tyler] I didn't! *more quietly* You have to believe me son, I didn't make her go away. *pleading to Lucas* Will you stay here with us?

[Lucas] *rubbing Ty's back* Your dad didn't make your mommy go away. I can promise you that. *looking at Tyler and then back at Ty*

[Ty] *loosening his grip and turning to look at Tyler* Do you love my mommy?

[Tyler] I do love your Mommy. *taking the engagement ring still on it's chain out of his pocket* I still want to marry her, and *crying freely as he walks over to Ty* I want to spend every day of forever with her and you. This ring is that promise, and I swear to you son, if it is in my power she will wear it again.

[Ty] *reaching for the chain and holding the ring in his hand* She was happy when you gave her this. *looking at Lucas and then at Tyler* You two made her cry alot. *wiping his runny nose on his sleeve before crying again*

[Lucas] *rubbing Ty's eyes with his hand* I know we made her cry, but your dad and I will never make her cry again.

[Tyler] Never ever. Not unless it's happy tears. Or you either. Do you want to hold the ring until we find her son, my promise to you just like it will be my promise to her?

[Ty] *holding the ring and then giving it to him* No, I want you to take so you have it when you both find her. And I want you to give it to her and tell her you both don't want to make her cry anymore.

[Lucas] *smiling and hugging him* I think she'd like to hear that.

[Tyler] I can do that. *reaching out his arms to Ty* I really need a hug from you Ty, would that be ok?

[Ty] *letting go of Lucas and reaching for his dad, hugging him tight, with a soft shaky voice* I don't hate you daddy. I just want my mommy. *squeezing Tyler tighter* Will you and uncle Luke go together and find her?

[Tyler] I know you want your mommy baby, I want her too. So so much. *hugging him back like he's never going to let go* We'll find her. *kissing him on the top of the head* I'm really happy you don't hate me.

[Ty] *standing and fixing his shirt after Tyler sets him down, he holds out his hands and takes their hands and leads them to to kitchen* You need to eat if you are going to go find my mommy. I will eat with you.

[Lucas] *whispering to Tyler* He hasn't been eating, so please go along with it.

[Tyler] *whispering back* Ok, I don't really have an appetite, but for him I will. *to Ty* Yes, we need our food to be strong and healthy *the tears slowing but still there* Then as soon as we're done ... *looking at Lucas* Would you mind if I looked with you today? I tried by myself yesterday, but I didn't have any luck... *looking down* obviously.

[Lucas] I would be honored. Nate can go with Alec and then Joey and her friend Andy are going to go look after he gets off work. By then Mia will be able to come watch Ty for us.

[Tyler] *after breakfast Tyler hugs Ty, leaving him with Joey* He was pretty worked up this morning he'll probably need a nap *he says to her as they leave.* Thanks for watching him while we do this. *he hugs her too and then heads out with Lucas.* Should we start at my place and do a charm to try to follow where her car went?

[Lucas] *giving Ty and Joey hugs he tells Nate to call if he finds anything, then turns back to Tyler* I started at your house and worked north. Maybe we should try heading south?

[Tyler] Yeah, that sounds like a plan. *they drive to his house, and then start driving south, on the lookout for anything suspicious* Did you check all the hotels on your way north? *Tyler asks tensely, feeling uncomfortable still even though they had a pretty good morning*

[Lucas] Nate and Joe called them all and I am sure the police did a check of them too. *looking at Tyler* I feel like I've looked everywhere.

[Tyler] *sighing as they head down the road* I know, I do too. But we have to keep looking. I called the ministry of magic and she didn't apparate anywhere, or take a portkey, or go by floo powder. So she has to be here somewhere. I can't think of any reason she wouldn't have at least called Ty. I know she hates me, but she wouldn't just abandon Ty, or you, or Joey ... *leaning his head against the passenger seat* What have I done

[Lucas] I know this is a sensitive subject, and I have heard bits and pieces from Joey and Alec. But Tyler, what the hell happened. What was the fight about?

[Tyler] *closing his eyes for a minute before opening them and looking at Lucas* You. Sleeping in the same bed with her. Her hiding it from me. I think I over reacted. I don't know. It just all built up and I lost it. I was mad that she lied to me, I was mad that she led you on. I was mad that it hurt Ty because he freaked out when he accidentally told me and he could see I was mad. I've never yelled at her like that.

[Lucas] Led me on? *shaking his head* No, she was very clear it was you. It was always you. We tried to give it a go when we were in Cali. but it wasn't meant to be. We needed each other. Not in the sexual sense, but in the we were all each other had way. Ty is right, I do sleep in her bed sometimes. But usually because she doesn't like to be alone. Once she is asleep I move to the floor or the couch. Sometimes I take Ty and put him with her and I sleep in his bed. *looking out the window* Did you expect her to give up what made her feel safe? I don't think you are that heartless.

[Tyler] No, I wouldn't expect her to give up what made her feel safe. But why couldn't she have been honest about it. Between her not want to tell you we were engaged, which I guess she did eventually, and her hiding that you two slept in the same bed ... And then I find out you used to be together, and you're clearly in love with her. *shaking his head* I don't know Luke, it's like everything went sideways and I couldn't make heads or tails of anything. And now the world's turned completely upside down.

[Lucas] *frowning* I knew you were engaged. She told me when we were all at the airport. I just ignored it because I loved her. I know I shouldn't love your girl, but I can't help it. She is so strong and loving. She is the best mom, that is why I know something's not right. She hated leaving Ty to go to work, called to check on him several times a night. This is very unlike her.

[Tyler] She told you at the airport? Dammit, why didn't she tell me? I asked her a dozen times when we could tell you and she kept saying it wasn't the right time. Now do you see why I had my suspicions? *taking a deep breath* Now is not the time to be mad, especially at her. You all are my family, right now I don't care if you two shagged in my bed while I was a quidditch practice, I just want to find her and tell her I'm sorry. You're right, there's got to be something wrong. *pointing to a small house that had a sign up saying "Rooms for Rent"* That's not a traditional hotel, the police probably didn't check there, pull over.

[Lucas] *pulls over and looks at him* Part of this is my fault. I acted like a little kid and made her feel bad, almost daily about jumping back into a relationship with you. I told her that if you two came to announce you were engaged I would tell you that we had a past. She begged me to just tell you and I fought her. *hitting the door* Dammit, why was I hurting her. She's never done anything to me. *looking at Tyler with tears in his eyes* This is partly my fault. I pushed her to the edge, and when you two fought it must've been too much to take.

[Tyler] *patting Lucas's shoulder* We really are a couple of spoiled brats aren't we?

[Lucas] *for the first time in a long time he looked at Tyler as his big brother* We have to find her. We have to make this right, we both love her. I know she loves you more than she will ever love me. *getting out of the car and heading towards the hotel office* I want you two to be happy. Deep down I guess I've always knew it was going to work out that way.

[Tyler] Don't worry, we will, we have to. *walking with Lucas into the front room of the boarding house and asking the person at the desk if he'd seen Jonnie, Tyler shows a picture and minutes later they walk out dejected* We have to. *glancing at Lucas as they get back into the car* It means a lot to me that you want us to be happy. I just wish it wasn't at your expense. It seems like I've hurt you enough for a lifetime years ago. I hate that I'm still doing it.

[Lucas] You know Jerry almost killed me, right? I blamed you. For years I blamed you. *fighting back tears he looks down* She saved me, and showed me I am better than what Jerry thought I was. Then little Ty came, he was a mini version of you from the minute he was born. *sighing* I know you missed alot, and I was there. I am sure there are ill feelings. But, we will get past it. You are my brother and I love you. I don't blame you anymore. I am sorry for being such an ass to you, to her. Oh god. *pulling out of the driveway* It's been 4 days. I am scared for her.

[Tyler] Yeah *quietly* Joey told me about Jerry. I wish I'd known. I would have come and taken you away. I should have. Lucas there seems to be no end to the list of ways I've fucked up and hurt the people I love. And I keep doing it. Even four days ago with Jonnie, even last night. What is wrong with me, why do I have to keep inflicting anguish on the people I love?

[Lucas] *looks at him* Last night?

[Tyler] I'm going to tell you something and I need you to try very hard not to hate me for it. But I can't keep it a secret.

[Lucas] I won't hate you. If you have to tell me something, please do. Because us not talking hasn't worked in either of our favors.

[Tyler] When I was looking yesterday, I was so mad. So mad that she left me, that she left Ty without calling. I haven't slept since we found out, my emotions and brain are so muddled. I just, I don't know, I needed my friend. So I went to the diner and saw Lizzy. And when I walked in I could just hear Jonnie telling me that I should go be with her. And Luke, when I looked at her she wasn't the little girl I'd always seen. She was a woman, and she was beautiful, and she loves me and would never leave me. So I took her out. God Lucas, while the mother of my child is missing I went out on a fucking date. I am a horrible person.

[Lucas] *looking at him and then back at the road* Well, I was out looking for her. That is all I have to say on the matter. *fighting his urge to yell at his brother he stares ahead*

[Tyler] I know you were, and so was Nate. And I had to go and try to "make a go of it". You have to understand. *shaking his head* No you don't. I don't even understand. But Luke, she left me. Said she'd never speak to me again and walked out without even giving me a chance to go after her. I didn't think she'd disappear like this, but dammit, I don't even know if she'll still want me when I find her. And Lizzy helped me see that it's got to be me and Jonnie. That there's nothing for it, I love Jonnie and I'll never love anyone else. Even when I kissed her it was just wrong. There was nothing, and lord help me I tried to make there be something there. I wanted there to be something, and there just wasn't. It's only ever been Jonnie for me, and she's all there will ever be. But I had to see.

[Lucas] *slamming on the breaks* You kissed Lizzy? *balling up his fist and shaking* Do you know that I want to punch you so bad right now, but I can't. Because when we find Jonnie she will hate me for it. *starting the car again* You will tell her what you did. I don't care if it helped you see how much you love Jonnie. If you two ever try to give it a go again, everything needs to be laid out there. I never want to do this, ever again. I am emotionally drained. But, I have to find her.

[Tyler] *slamming against his seat belt and then facing Luke's wrath* you can hit me, I deserve it. I'll tell her, I swear. I'll tell her every word. And then I vow, I will never hurt her again. That date is the last terrible thing I'll ever do to Jonnie. *looking out at the city ending in front of them, forests encroaching on the road* Let's just find her. And I swear to you Luke, if she hates me for it, if she turns to you, you won't hear a bad word about it from me.

[Lucas] She won't turn to me. She may come cry on my shoulder or come tell me. But for almost 6 years it was Tyler this and Tyler that. At one point she told me if you married someone else, she'd wait for you. That's true love and I know not to mess with it. I tried and you see where it got me. *smiling to himself* She is my best friend. I accept that now.

[Tyler] Well if you can accept that, then I can accept that you are her best friend, and that you have a history. And that Ty knows you better than he knows me and he's going to want you sometimes. I missed you Luke, I'm sorry I ever left you, and even with all of the stuff that's happened I'm so happy you're back in my life. I love you.

[Lucas] I love you too. And yes, Ty knows me better.  But I know he will get to know you too. He loves you, he knows you are his daddy. I am just his uncle and I have to share that with Nate. *smiling* We will be okay. Just promise me something. Next time you are questioning something between Jonnie and I. Come ask me. I won't lie to you. We need to put the past behind us and find happiness in the here and now.

*driving around for a few hours, looking high and low. stopping to fill up and getting a little food at the gas station. As they get in the car Lucas' phone goes off*

[Lucas] *picking up the phone and hearing Joey crying* Joey, what's wrong? *hearing her speak through wails* Okay, wait there for Andy, Tyler and I will go. I will call you back, take your cell. Call your dad and Nate. Tell them to meet us there. *hanging  up his phone and looking at Tyler* Hold on! *slamming his car in reverse and taking a left at the light he speeds ahead biting on his lip*

[Tyler] *holding onto the handle above the door, feeling his heart pounding, and not just because of the sudden acceleration of the car* What is it Luke? Did they find her? What's wrong?

[Lucas] I don't know, Joey said she got a call that they found a car upside down in this ditch up here. We need to go see if it's her. *seeing the flashing lights he slows down and parks* Come on Ty. *running towards the men without closing his door* Shit, it's her car.

[Tyler] *leaping out of the car and following Lucas, gasping as he sees Lucas reach them first, and break through the paramedics, reaching down to touch what is inarguably Jonnie's limp body. Breaking through his emotion he reaches them seconds later, the blood on her forehead and coming out of her mouth scaring him so much that he almost vomited. Looking desperately to the EMT's he asks* Is she .. *unable to form either the words alive or dead he just stops and hopes*

[EMT] She is alive, her breathing is shallow. All we see so far is a broken leg and some contusions and abrasions. I am sure they will know more at the hospital. *looking towards Lucas* Hey, don't touch her. We need to stabilize her. *getting the equipment and strapping Jonnie onto the backboard ignoring that more men have joined to look on*

[Alec] *seeing his baby laying there* Jonnie! *filled with emotion he falls into Nate and sobs*

[Lucas] *backs up and watches them get her on the stretcher* We are following you. Nate, will you drive Alec?

[Nate] I got it. Should I go get Joey? Or follow you? *seeing them caught up in watching what is going on* Well, I will get her after I drop you off. Come on Alec, let's go so we can meet them there. *Alec nods and they wait in the car watching the EMT's talk to the cops*

[Lucas] *looking at Tyler* She's alive. *hugging him tight*

[Tyler] She's alive. *hugging him back and crying deep racking sobs* I can't leave her now Luke, *to the EMT* Can I ride in the ambulance. I can't *to Lucas* I really can't, now that she's right here I can't leave her.

[Lucas] *nodding* I need to call Mia and Joey. Andy should be off work now, he needs to bring her to her sister. I will get Ty later, right now he can't see her like this.

[Tyler] *hugging Lucas again and kissing his forehead* They found her, and she's alive. She'll be alright now, I'm sure of it. I love you brother, I'll see you at the hospital.

[Lucas] *smiles for Tyler and watches him get in the ambulance and as they slam the door shut he walks to the car, gets in and cries. harder than he has in years. after calming down he steps on the gas and takes a deep breath before calling Mia and crying again when he tells Ty his mommy is hurt. then calling Joey who is on her way to the hospital*