I own nothing except the storyline!
This is my first Bethyl fanfiction and I'm soooo excited to write this. I wanted this to be AU because they tend to be my favourite stories to read, plus I don't really want to compete after the 'alone' episode. Really hope you enjoy it- you can follow me on tumblr for updates, the occasional picture reference for this fanfic and bethyl ramblings: welovebethyl is my username
The summer sunlight slid through the gap in the curtains and pleasantly rested on Beth's pale cheek. She hadn't a clue of the time, but her phone had been vibrating constantly for what seemed like hours. The covers lay loose over her torso and the pillow moulded perfectly into her head; with the warmth of the sunshine and the comfort of the covers she could have stayed there happily all day. Her phone began to vibrate again, and with a defeated groan Beth pulled herself up and reached over to the bedside table.
"Wakey wakey birthday girl!" A cheery voice on the other end shouted.
Oh, it was her birthday. Beth sighed but then smiled; Ashley had been more excited for her 21st birthday than anybody, including Beth herself. Every day for the past month Ashley had been repeating her plans and ideas over and over to the point where they were now concrete in Beth's mind.
"Hey Ashley, so I'm guessing you'll be here by 10?" Beth asked, already knowing the answer. Usually her birthdays would consist of a family outing and then a meal in the evening, but Ashley had pestered Beth's father until he agreed to let the tradition slide somewhat. The usual birthday breakfast would be replaced by a shopping trip where Ashley would drag her around some shops and treat her to a birthday outfit. Then they would go back to the Greene's farm and spend the day getting ready. The big birthday meal would be replaced by a few quick pizzas, and then 7pm Ashley would take Beth on her first 'night out'. Herschel had been a little upset that he wouldn't be spending much time with Beth on her birthday, but after a few ideas here and there they compromised and agreed to spend the day after together as a family.
She skipped down the stairs and smiled as everyone kissed and hugged her happy birthday. They had agreed to do presents the day after when more time could be put into it. Just as Ashley pulled up outside Beth was hoisted into a bear hug from behind, and she giggled knowing full well that it was her brother, Shawn.
"Hey get off of me!" She fought him playfully, kissing him on the cheek when he finally let her go.
"Not a baby any more Bethy, let me know if you want me to come with tonight." He suggested innocently, though Beth knew that he really wanted to go in case anything happened. Beth knew herself though, and knew that she was responsible enough to care for herself, no matter what state Ashley managed to get herself into. She rolled her eyes at her brother before rushing out of the door to greet an impatiently waiting Ashley.
They girl talked and giggled all the way up to the mall. Beth and Ashley had been friends since they were little girls and although Beth had stayed her straight A, innocent self, Ashley had changed completely. Her friend's hair rested on her shoulders, a little longer than Maggie's, and her eyes were a bright shade of blue. She enjoyed her men and her parties, though was always considerate of Beth's alternate lifestyle of reading and family.
"So where are you taking me tonight?" Beth asked her friend, somewhat scared of the answer. Ashley sensed the girl's fear and giggled.
"Don't you worry Bethy, it's just a bar that my brother takes me to sometimes." Beth nodded and they continued to chatter, discussing potential outfits and upcoming adventures. They spent a few hours in the mall, and Beth found a gorgeous, strapless floral dress that fitted her like a glove. It was a little more revealing than her normal sweater and jeans combination, but it made her feel very much like a classy woman and Ashley agreed that it was perfect.
They spent the rest of the day getting ready. Ashely placed loose girls into Beth's hair and tied her own into a high, messy ponytail. After what seemed like forever, Beth finally got a look at herself in the mirror and stared at herself in shock.
"I did good, huh?!" Ashley laughed behind her, wrapping her hands around her friend's shoulders.
"We're gonna have so much fun Bethy, come on!"
After an hour of pizza and chatting with her family they made their way to the bar. It was around a 15 minute walk and they had agreed not to drive since they would both probably be having a drink or two. Shawn had agreed to pick them up if they needed but as long as it wasn't too late, which was fine by Beth since she didn't plan on staying out past 1 anyway. Beth wasn't too steady in her heels but linked with Ashley so they could support each other. Ashley looked great, as per usual, and Beth couldn't help that think despite her thigh length strapless dress and full face of makeup that Ashley looked much better than her.
"Here we are." Ashley suddenly exclaimed, pointing to a cabin ahead of them. It had 'Porter's' on a large tacky sign and there was an array of banged up cars and motorcycles parked out front. Beth turned to Ashley and furrowed her eyebrows. She had somewhat expected class and cocktails, but instead was greeted with…well this.
"Oh come on, it's good I promise." Ashely grabbed Beth's hand and they walked inside.
It was…frightening. There was smoke everywhere and there was probably ten males to every female. Dust and dirt nestled on the doorframe and the chairs and tables looked like they were decades old. As soon as they walked in around 50 pairs of eyes gravitated towards them, eyeing the girls up and down. Ashley giggled and flirtatiously pulled Beth through the crowds to the bar, getting them both a vodka and coke. They both perched on a bar stool, and Beth suddenly realised why Ashley liked this place. It had been five minutes and already Ashley had found conversation with two men sat beside them. Beth just ignored them all, very tempted to slip out and call Shawn to come get her.
Then she got that feeling. The feeling of being watched. She turned to her left and noticed a guy leaning against the wall, looking to be very much in the same predicament as herself. He watched her intently, and Beth watched back. The man who was with the guy watching her was chatting away to a busy blonde, grabbing her ass and showing a dirty, toothy grin. Yes, he was most definitely in the same predicament. Beth watched him as he ran his hands through his hair and downed the rest of his beer. Before she knew it he was walking over, and Beth felt as if her heart had stopped with nerves.
"You third wheelin as well?" He asked quietly, in somewhat of a slur. Beth simply smiled plainly and nodded.
"You wanna leave them to it? Come back to my place?"
Beth nearly spat out her drink. She looked him in the eyes. He had very, very handsome eyes. Nevertheless his request was ridiculous and insulting; did she look like the kind of girl who went home with someone without so much as a date or conversation?
"No thank you." Beth replied. He nodded, looking somewhat humiliated, and pondered back over to his seat where he continued to watch her, curiosity and beer brewing in his eyes.
That wouldn't be the last time Beth Greene spoke to Daryl Dixon that night.