Here's chapter three! Just know, there is a triggering scene in this chapter if you don't want to continue reading.
In the time that Cale had been in the prison, the leaves had already started to change, plunging the land around them into a spectrum of warm colors. They were going into an early autumn; everyone was glad the heat of summer was gone, but dreaded the dead of winter. Daryl watched as Beth and Cale walked around the perimeter of the fence; chatting wildly, Judith on her hip. He shook his head at their interactions, sticking a cigarette between his lips and lighting it. For months, Cale had been socializing with Beth, becoming friendlier as the days went by. Something about the guy still rubbed him wrong, but for Beth he was willing to let it slide, for now.
The two teenagers had made a routine of walking around the fences together, sometimes even choosing to do fence duty together. Cale reveled in the way Beth held the steel spike and drove it through the biters heads. He wanted to make her fall, to show her that she belonged somewhere else. He couldn't bring himself to do it with everyone watching, it would be the end of the act. Beth would laugh and look at him as she drew the spike back, blood splattering her apron. She enjoyed doing man's work; killing the biters.
Cale would smile back, keeping his friendly façade going. Beth even took the liberty upon herself to start doing guard duty with Cale, even though most of the council objected to it. "You have to take care of Judith," they said. Beth nodded, understanding, even though she wanted more. But she would do anything to spend more time with Cale – she was intoxicated by him. Daryl was surprised when she asked to replace his night shift with Cale. Before the Woodbury survivors came, she was always asking to go on watch with him.
Daryl scoffed, "What? Ya don't like me anymore? Spending all your time with pretty boy there isn't good ya know? You got other things to do in the family than him."
Beth pleaded with Daryl, hoping he would see her point. "I love you I do, but I just think there are other things you could be doing with your time. Like helping Rick or Daddy with the livestock."
Daryl looked over Beth's shoulder at Cale walking up; the guy eyed them like a hawk. "Alright, but just this once. You ain't letting anyone else get to know him, and that ain't right. Next rotation he's mine." Daryl stalked off before Cale intercepted, Beth sighed when Cale's hand fell on her slim shoulder.
"Everything alright, Elizabeth? Daryl bugging you?" Cale was having difficulty hiding the venom in his voice.
Beth took it as Cale being protective, "Yeah everything's fine. We just needed to clarify things a bit. Nothing for you to worry about." Beth stretched up, brushing a kiss against his cheek.
It was exactly what Cale wanted, though. As long as the crossbow-wielding hick was out of the way, his plan was working. Maddie, Jessie and Scarlett had faded to the backburner. They gave up on their pursuit of Cale when Beth had started taking up all of his time. As they adjusted to life in the prison, they had started wearing less and less makeup until they virtually wore none. They were assimilating into the prison life, if it weren't for Cale, they would have been great friends for Beth.
Daryl sidled up to Carl, eyes still on Beth, Judith and Cale. "Have you talked to Beth in awhile?" He questioned, taking a long drag from his cigarette and blowing out the smoke. Daryl noticed he had been smoking more than usual; the stresses of being an elder bearing down on him.
Carl shook his head, squinting up at Daryl. "Ever since Cale got here, she started to ignore me. Even I made up with Adam and Clark and the girls, but Cale still seems to have a stick up his ass. The other Woodbury teens are pretty okay, but Cale, he doesn't like anyone going around Beth or Judith," he said. "I don't think he even realizes that Beth isn't her mom. He still calls her Elizabeth, and that's not her name. She doesn't even correct him."
Daryl chuckled at Cale's stupidity. "Somethin' ain't right about that kid," was all he said. Carl nodded in agreement; he wanted his best friend back. He couldn't help but think back to the first day that the Woodbury survivors arrived at the prison. Beth was so apprehensive about their coming and now she was a completely different person. She had barely said two words to Carl in the three months that had gone by. "I don't like it."
"You've been keeping an eye on him, right?" Carl asked, his eyes trained on Beth and Cale. He didn't like his sister being around Cale, the guy just seemed like he was trying too hard to win Beth's affection.
Daryl nodded, taking the cigarette from his mouth. "He's been wooing her alright, kissing up on her cheeks. Nothing farther than that, if there was I'd kick his ass into the next horde," Daryl said, glancing over at Carl. Beth and Cale were rounding the corner, coming up into the prison yard. They both could hear Beth's laugh as Cale told her a story that probably was complete bullshit.
Carl rolled his eyes. "Hey, Beth," he said as they approached. Cale glared at him with his eyes. How dare you talk to her, they said. She waved daintily, acknowledging Carl and Daryl's presence.
"Can you take Judith for me? I wanted to help Cale pack for the run later today," she beamed, a pink tint rising on her cheeks. Cale leaned over and kissed her cheek. Daryl stiffened. The kid had a lot of nerve to show affection in front of him. Reluctantly, Carl took his baby sister into his arms without a thank you from Beth as they wandered back on inside.
He looked to his baby sister. She had grown so much, almost able to walk on her own. Her first words were 'momma,' but it wasn't Lori that was her momma. It was Beth. Daryl settled a hand on Carl's shoulder. "It'll be alright, kid. Beth'll come to her senses soon and drop that kid like he never existed. She's got a good head on her shoulders." Carl nodded; as Judith babbled for Daddy, he wasn't sure if she meant Daryl or his Dad, not that it mattered much anyway. Daryl showed Judith more love than her Dad did these days.
Beth pushed up onto her toes, planting a kiss on Cale's cheek. He was leaving on the run with Daryl, Michonne, Sasha, Tyreese, Bob and some of the other Woodbury survivors. Carl was there too, it was his second run ever. He noticed Adam and Clark amongst the group, holding their rifles towards the ground. Carl rolled his eyes; he didn't know how those two managed to get approved to go on the run. Even if it was only to a Big Spot, they were clearly cowards. Cale's eyes hovered over Daryl and his crossbow in envy.
Daryl noticed his gaze. He knew that Cale wanted his crossbow just by the look in his dark eyes. It was the same look that Merle got when he robbed gas stations when he was younger. The kid wouldn't be able to handle his weapon, let alone now how to load it or even hold it up. It wasn't the lightest thing out there to use. He chuckled thinking about it; the kid snapping off his finger in the draw on a release. It'd be bloody and hurt like a sumbitch, but he'd never want to shoot a crossbow again.
"Alright, listen up!" Daryl said, turning to the Woodbury survivors. He didn't have to worry about the prison group on runs; they were seasoned and knew what to do. He'd even whipped Bob's ass into shape after the alcohol incident on the run for meds at the vet school. "We go in, get out and we do it quiet. You listen to us. Ask questions if you gotta. Don't have a dumbass attack and we'll be good," Daryl instructed. Michonne nodded in agreement.
"Everyone loaded and ready to head out?" Michonne asked. There was a chorus of 'yes' in reply. Beth walked away without another word to Cale, he watched after her. Why didn't she say anything to him? He was risking his life for her, for the group. It sparked anger throughout him, for her being insolent.
Cale looked back to the group – Daryl magically appearing right in front of him, eyes trained on Cale. "Beth doesn't say goodbye," words cold as the ice in his eyes. Daryl's glare lingered for a little longer before waving the group on into the cars.
Cale seethed in the back of the car as they drove to the Big Spot. He was still reeling over the way Beth had treated him. After all these months of being nice to her, rolling his eyes internally at her, this was how she treated him? He didn't have much time to boil as car doors popped open in the Big Spot parking lot. Cale shook Beth out of his mind; he would deal with her later.
Daryl led the formation into the Big Spot. This was his second time raiding the specific store. Bob had knocked over the shelf the first time going for the alcohol, but that was all that happened. No casualties and that was good. "We stay in this room, don't wander," Daryl instructed. After his instruction, the group split up, covering as much ground as possible. Cale rolled his eyes and wandered away, he had items on his personal list that he was getting before the items for the group.
Adam and Clark had decided to stick together, seeing as it was their first run, neither wanted to admit that they were scared. A sadistic smile twisted onto Cale's lips as he snuck up behind them, tucking his pistol into the back of his jeans. He clasped their shoulders roughly, tugging them down to the floor. Clark screamed like a little girl, Adam was gulping for air like a fish out of water. Cale was laughing his ass off at the two boys; the looks on their faces were priceless. Cale's laughs stopped when he was thrown up against a wall, the wind knocked out of him.
"You think that's funny?" Daryl growled, his forearm pressing across the length of Cale's chest. "This ain't cry wolf," Daryl continued, shoving him away. Carl watched as Cale straightened his clothing out. He wanted to smile, but he didn't dare in the moment, Cale was liable to blow up on him and Carl didn't want to. Cale was in shock of how Daryl treated him, how dare that asshole treat him like a child? Adam and Clark watched for afar, sticking things into their bags. Cale stalked off, filling his own bag with supplies.
The group had made it back from the supply run virtually unharmed. The only mishap was between Cale and his friends, while not a horrendous offense, it still needed to be discussed with the elders and dealt with. It'd be a long time before he was allowed back on a run again if Daryl had anything to say about it in the elder's meeting.
Daryl's eyes caught Beth making her way to the showers, a towel draped over her arm and a shower caddy in her other hand. He'd lost track of time while on the run; it was past dinner, which was when Beth usually stepped out to take her shower. He sought out the calming giggles of Judith, that little girl could make him better no matter what had gone wrong.
Beth didn't know that the group had returned, last she was aware at dinner they were still gone. She wasn't worried, really. She knew Daryl would make sure everyone returned safely, she had the upmost faith in him. Beth walked into the showers, setting her shower caddy on the small ledge separating the showers. She turned back, pulling at the end of her shirt and raising it over her head. It had been a long day out in the sun and she needed a shower desperately. Sweat and grime clung to her skin; Beth hated that grimy, gritty feeling on her skin. It made her feel dirty, she wanted to look and feel better not only for Cale but for herself.
Beth stripped off her bra, pants and underwear, folding them neatly next to her towel on the bench. She stepped into the shower, pulling on the chain to let the water flow from the shower head. The water cascaded over her shoulders and wet her hair, she sighed at the warmth of the water kissing her tired skin. Reaching for her shampoo; her wrist was caught in a vice grip, wrenching downwards. Beth yelped in pain, the position awkward and painful on her shoulder. Cale stood behind her, expertly avoiding the steady stream of water. "Cale!" Beth exclaimed, trying to twist her wrist free, his grip wasn't letting loose, she could feel the tendons in her shoulder stretching to accommodate the tension.
Beth scrambled to cover herself; she had never been naked in front of anyone before, it wasn't how she was raised. Beth liked Cale; but not enough to let him see her this vulnerable. He had seen her walk into the showers; he thought it was the perfect place to take what he burned for. It was far off from C and D blocks and the water would drown out any cries she would utter from that pretty mouth. Cale drug Beth from her shower and into the next stall; the floor was dry, giving them both better footing.
Cale threw Beth against the wall; a gasp of shock escaping her, "You didn't say goodbye to me, bitch," he sneered. Beth pushed her wet hair from her eyes, staring at Cale in shock and confusion. Cale could see she was scared and that was exactly what he wanted, he got off on her fear. He was a man who thrived being in control, having others fear and worship him. "I could have died out there. And you – you were being stubborn. A nice, sweet 'I love you' would have sufficed. And we wouldn't be where we are now, but nooo, you couldn't care enough to utter the words" Cale talked down to Beth, niceties were done with after today.
Beth shivered, wrapping her arms around her body; closing and twisting her legs so he had an obscured view of her lower half. She wanted to say she didn't love him, but the words just wouldn't come out. She figured it wouldn't help the situation much either. Beth could scream, but no one would hear her down here. "The least you could do is help me relax after a long day out saving your goddamn life," Cale smirked, running his index finger over his lip. Beth looked even better with her clothes off; Cale could feel himself straining against the fly of his jeans.
Beth shook her head, her eyes pleading with him to stop this madness; she could forgive him if it didn't go any farther. "No, please don't do this." Cale's eyes flared at her refusal. She was denying him, no one denied him. He started forward, cornering Beth with nowhere to go but cower against the tiled wall. Cale raised his hand, knuckles aimed towards Beth's cheek. He let his fist fly, striking Beth's cheek. She almost slipped from the force of the hit; her teeth rattling in her head as she cradled her stinging cheek.
Cale leveraged his weight against her body, her burning cheek pressed to the cool wall. Cale captured both of her wrists behind her back in his large hands. She tried struggling, but it was no use – Cale was overpowering her and she knew it. "Stop!" She wailed, she could feel his body surging against her, her cry only pressed him against her that much harder.
Beth started to cry in earnest when she felt him against her bare back side, he was hard as stone through his jeans, his breathing had turned erratic. She wasn't ready for the thought of him enjoying her fear and distress. Cale's hand went to her ass, squeezing it hard only to make Beth squirm. "I wouldn't do that if I were you. You want to please your man, don't you?" He hissed into her ear. Cale's hand slipped between her thighs, delving into her folds. Beth cried out, his hands were cold.
He probed his finger in and out, slowly torturing her. He wanted her to know she did wrong by him, disrespected him even. Beth's body betrayed her as her hips began to move on their own in time to Cale's fingers deep inside her. Cale grinned; it was just like Shay over again, all whores liked a good fucking from their man. Beth tried to her clench her thighs together but only earned her another shove against the wall. Cale backed off then, gazing at her, he hadn't even gotten started yet.
"Touch yourself while I get situated here," Cale instructed, standing back and waiting. While he was at the run, he had found a stash of condoms. He didn't want to get this bitch pregnant again; he didn't want the responsibility of a bastard nor anyone knowing what he was up to. He pulled one out of his pocket as Beth reluctantly moved her hands down her body, tears staining her red cheeks.
She closed her eyes, not wanting to look at him any longer. The mere sight of him repulsed her. Beth had never touched herself before; she had other things to worry about than her sexual urges that were now going to be tainted if not non-existent after this. Cale shrugged his pants down around his hips, rolling the condom down his shaft. "It's better if you don't struggle," he sneered down at her as he gripped her shoulders. Beth looked away as he threw her to the floor, landing on her hands and knees. He was on top of her in a moment; she could feel the roughness of his clothes against the backs of her legs, the weight and thickness of him at her entrance.
Trepidations she had about her first time were correct. It hurt and burned as the dry condom scraped at her insides. The second thrust her arms gave out, Beth's face was pressed to the cold tiles, her ass and hips in his hands. She was sure she was bleeding and wouldn't be walking right for the next few days. It stung as he picked up the pace of his thrusts, teeth grazing over Beth's back. She cried harder when she felt his fingers violating her in a place she never thought fingers had a place being; Cale was humming above her, enjoying humiliating her.
Beth trained her eyes on the wall, zoning out. If she wasn't mentally present for the rape, maybe it wasn't happening. Out of sight, out of mind, her mama always said. Cale finished quickly; she could feel him jerk inside her, relief coming in feeling him pull out of her. People were probably looking for the both of them; at least she hoped someone was looking for her, she could care less if someone was looking for Cale.
He stood up from Beth's collapsing form, leaving her to roll over and cover her body again. She ached everywhere, and that ache was going to get worse. Cale only smirked as he discarded the condom in one of the toilet, washing his hands in the still running shower with her soap and buttoned his pants back up. He knelt down to Beth, fingers gripping her chin; forcing her to look at him. "One word to anyone-one fucking word- and your baby will be dead," he warned. Beth nodded, knowing to reply to him or she would be hit again. Satisfied with his job, Cale stalked out of the showers, whistling to himself.
It had taken Beth several minutes before she picked herself up off the floor. She reached down between her legs, feeling for blood. Her fingers came back crimson tinged, looking down she found the insides of her thighs stained with blood. She stood, carefully using the half wall as a crutch, ignoring the pain stabbing through her abdomen. At least he used a condom, she thought, scoffing to herself. Beth redressed with painstakingly slow movements, everything hurt even as she felt hollow.
Regaining what little dignity she had left, Beth gingerly moved all her joints. She rolled her shoulders, her wrists, her neck and her legs. All of them ached. She gazed at herself in the mirror; one of her cheeks was inflamed pink. It didn't look like someone smacked her; it only looked like a brush burn. She was sure it wasn't going to bruise, since it was pressed against cold tiles the entire time Cale was assaulting her.
Beth grabbed her shower caddy, not wanting to stay in this shower for a moment longer. She moved into the hallway, it was deathly silent except for her ragged breaths. She ran her hand along the concrete wall for balance as she staggered down the hallway. "Beth?" She heard a voice calling her name, she couldn't register who it belonged to, her heart started to beat faster, her breath coming in shallow gasps.
It wasn't Cale's voice, but someone else's. She turned to look who had called her name. She knew by the outline of the hat that it was Carl. "Carl?" She croaked through parched lips. She turned towards the shadow, walking as fast as she could down the hall. "You have to help me!" she cried. "Cale… he – he attacked me in the shower. He raped me Carl!" she cried, holding onto Carl's shoulders. He was almost as tall as her now, their eyes met in the darkness. Carl's eyes were dead, devoid of emotion. Beth shivered in fear, her friend, her brother, wasn't here with her. Wasn't here to save her from the hell she was in.
Carl only shrugged Beth off; he didn't know why she was seeking out his help now when she ignored him for a solid three months. Besides, Beth was basically in love with Cale, she was lying; no one raped someone they loved. He could tell Cale loved her and Beth loved him.
"Beth, stop," he bit out, words emotionless as the stone walls around them. He watched the hope die out of her eyes that he wasn't her saving grace anymore. "You probably just fell in the shower. This isn't cry wolf," he said, stalking down the hallway without another look back.
Beth sank to her knees in the hallway, tears streaming down her face. She could hear Carl's words echoing in her head, in someone else's voice...Daryl.
