I have Lorelai drop me off today. I didn't want her stranded without a car in case more men came back. Getting out of the car is exhausting and by the time I get to the porch, it's even worse.

"What're you hunched over for?" Forrest asks.

"Fell through the steps on the way here and I hurt my back. Why I had Lorelai drive me." I thought the days of making up lies about this sort of thing were over since Daddy passed. I can't tell if he believes me.

The man has one expression for everything. "Mmhm."

I look away and reach for the door handle.

"Come here."

"Do you need more coffee?"

"I said come here."

I grit my teeth to where he doesn't see and slowly make my way to him.

He stretches his arm out, giving me his cup of coffee. When I take it, he abruptly stands up and grabs my wrist.

"Let go!"

He pushes the sleeve of my sweater up. "Stairs did this?"

One of the men left a hand print bruise on my arm as he held me down when the others beat me. I jerk the cup from his hand. "Now I told you, those steps are old and I fell through them. You want to make up something other than the truth, well, that's on you."

...

Lorelai should have been here by now. I'm getting worried the more time that passes.

"I'll take you home."

"You'll do no such thing."

Forrest sinks back in his chair, looking down at his cup of coffee. "You're the most difficult woman I ever met."

"Please refrain from opening your trap on things you know nothing about."

He sticks his finger out, shaking it at me. "Now there you go, just bein' hateful and such."

I shift my torso and narrow my eyes at him. "Why do you suppose it is we don't like each other?"

"Lots of reasons I reckon though a particular instance of you threaten' my life sticks out the most. That'n you takin' my hat."

I folds my arms and laugh softly.

"Mmhm, now that is a sight to see, you without that scowl on your face."

"You know, they have a word for bitter women like me. I hear the men call me it in town sometimes, if they aren't calling me other things."

His eyes widen as he lowers his head, shaking it. "I ain't touchin' that one. No way."

"I should be going. Don't really feel like making you another cup of coffee because that one's cold."

He stands up from his chair. "Hold up now."

"You feel like fighting s'more Mr. Bondurant?" Why am I talking like him? I clear my throat.

"You ain't walkin' home by yourself. I won't allow it."

"Goodnight," I dismiss him and start down the road. I can hear one of his grunts behind me. Sometimes, it can be really maddening. Other times, like this instance, it makes me laugh to myself. Truth is, I rather enjoy our little disagreements.

Speaking of, he pulls up next to me and tells me to get in.

I let this go on for quite a ways thinking he'll turn around but he doesn't. I give in because I know there is no way I can walk four miles like this. I take the cigar from his mouth and roll down my window, tossing it out.

"What'd you go do a thing like that for?"

"I don't like the smell of it." I don't understand how he can even breathe in here.

"Add that to your list of reasons we don't see eye to eye."

"Fine by me as long as I don't have to be around it."

"See what I mean? Stubborn."

"Thank you."

"Mmhm."

I start to lose my composure to laugh at that one but a shooting pain goes up my side. I wish I had the money to see a doctor. Every time I use the restroom, I've been urinating blood. Though, these are the least of my problems. I need to come up with enough money for Mr. Mason.

He tilts his neck to the side some until it pops.

The sound breaks my concentration. "You shouldn't pop your neck like that."

"It bother you?"

"Yes."

He tilts his head to the other side until it pops.

I roll my eyes, turning to look out the window. I can see his smug reflection off the glass so I roll it back down again. I'm actually rather grateful Forrest isn't one for small talk. This way I don't feel obligated to keep him company in exchange for the ride. I wonder what goes on in that head of his though. He's a rather habitual creature, nothing wrong with that I suppose. Despite the bootlegging, I think he has good intentions. He's responsible and disciplined but I guess he has to seeing as he is like a mother to the other two. He's respected which is something I am jealous of. What I wouldn't give for one man to treat me with decency in this town. "I'll see you Tuesday, Mr. Bondurant."

"Name's Forrest."

I get out of the truck and become real serious like he is. "Does it bother you?"

He nods.

"Thank you for the ride, Mr. Bondurant." I shut the door and laugh softly. Our truck isn't here. I hope Lorelai is okay. When I get to the front door, I quickly turn around. "Oh, shoot!" I was so busy making fun of Forrest, I left my purse in his truck. The front door creeps open slightly. I let out a sigh. "Lorelai..." That girl would go off and leave her head if it wasn't attached. When I step inside, I notice immediately something isn't right. There's muddy boot prints on the floor, leading to the living room. I reach for the empty milk bottle on the table and swing it, breaking it over the man's head as he steps out from behind the door.

He curses as he falls to the ground.

I hurry to grab a knife but another man approaches me, tackling me to the floor. I cry out in pain when my hip hits the floor first. He smacks me twice across the face and I realize right quick, these men aren't Mr. Mason's. I try to break free but he's too strong and straddles me. He pulls me upward by the front of my dress, then forces me back down so I hit my head on the floor and it knocks me out.

...

"Miss Charlotte?" Forrest calls, cupping my cheek.

I blinks several times, pushing my eyebrows together. There's another man behind Forrest. "-hin." Why can't I get the words out!

"Speak up now."

"Behind..."

Forrest is struck on the back of the head with a cast iron skillet as it brings him to his hands and knees.

I kick the intruder three times in the leg, trying to slow him down.

It gives Forrest enough time to get to his feet.

I'm certain he could have taken him out on his own, but he slips on a pair of brass knuckles. I find myself relieved after both assailants are on the floor. I'm not sure if he killed them or not, nor do I ask, but they're removed from the house. I've never had someone defend me like he did, although I don't get too excited because his life was in danger, too. Why would Forrest want to help me of all people?

Forrest walks back in, looking somewhat in a daze. He catches me struggling and helps me to my feet.

"Why did you come back?"

"You left your purse in my truck."

"Thank you." I start to say something else, but he just has this weird look on his face. "Forrest?"

He blinks his heavy eyes and takes a step back, falling over on the kitchen table and crashing down through it.

...

"Forrest! Are you alright?"

He lazily opens his eyes.

I lay a cool rag on his forehead.

"Uh. Mmhm."

A quick breath escapes my nose. Yeah. He'll be just fine. I walk over and turn on the record player.

He sits up and takes the rag from his brow, surveying the room. "Can you turn that down?"

"I could, yes." I walk away from the record player and into the kitchen to get him a glass of water. We exchange the rag for the glass. "Thank you, you saved my life." I want to make sure he knows how grateful I am.

"Again," he mumbles, taking a drink from the glass.

Oh. He's keeping track?

"Where's your sister?"

"Out."

"With Jack?"

I cock my head some to the right. "What do you know? Tell me right now," I demand, snatching his glass.

"I know you will not speak to me that way."

"Don't tell me how to speak!"

"I guess you ain't gettin' your answer."

"Like I'd believe you anyways. Probably trying to get a rise out of me-"

The door opens up as Jack laughs.

"Be quiet, you'll wake up.. Charlotte." Lorelai swallows hard, looking at me owl eyed.

"In your room. Now," I growl.

"Goodnight Jack," Lorelai smiles, then hurries in her room.

"Uh, I'll be outside," Jack's voice squeaks.

I'm so annoyed that just Forrest making his way to our door has me in a fit.

"I don't pretend to know much 'bout love, but I think you're outnumbered on this'n. More you try'n keep them apart-"

I slam the door in his smug face. Ugh, the nerve! I can hear his snicker over the door, and it isn't the only thing.

"You're not goin' to yell at me are you?" Jack says.

"I ain't your daddy."

"You ain't mad?"

"Heck no. I think it's funny watchin' Charlotte get upset over you two."

I knew it!

"I wanna marry Lorelai, Forrest."

What?! I almost open the door back up, but stop before I turn the knob.

"Look, Jack, you have a good time with her but that'll be all now, you hear? That's the only thing Slaughter girls are good for."

I release the knob and cover my open mouth.

"Don't talk about Lorelai like that!"

"You ain't marryin' her."

"I thought you ain't my daddy?"

"I ain't your daddy but you're a Bondurant and no brother of mine is gonna marry a Slaughter. I told you, they ain't nothin' more than prostitutes. You understand me?"

His words make my knees weak. Tears well up in my eyes. There isn't a day that goes by that I'm not called a floozy, and I try not to let it bother me. Yet I find myself sobbing over his comment. I'm angry that I even care what a Bondurant would think of us, yet, I'm crying because one said it.

"In all my years, I've never seen a scowl like the one on your face. I believe you could blow up the gas station at any minute."

"You know why I'm here on my day off," I snap at Forrest.

"I don't suppose it's outta the kindness of your heart?"

"Where is she?" I demand.

"Maybe if you kept better tabs on her you'd know," he grins, sipping his coffee.

I shove Forrest out of the way and stomp inside. "Lorelai, you come out here right this instant!"

"Get out," Howard snaps.

"Where's my sister!"

He comes full force at me. I thought for sure he was going to hit me.

Howard grabs me by the arm and I'm yanked against him.

I let out a painful yelp, holding my arm. He's dislocated it.

"That's enough, Howard," Forrest demands, grabbing him by his throat.

He instantly lets go of me.

Forrest shoves him back, then pulls him from the station.

I watch out the window, nervous as to where this is heading.

"I don't care how much you hate her, you ever put your hands on that woman again, you'll answer to me. Now you're drunk. Go for a walk and sober up, then you'll apologize."

"I ain't apologizin' for shit," Howard yells, stumbling down the road.

I move away from the door and have a seat at the table. Don't you dare cry.

"I never thought anythin' like this'd happen."

"It's not that big of a deal."

"It is a big deal. No brother of mine is going to put his hands on a woman. I won't have that."

"You think Daddy never raised his hand to me? I'll live."

"Let me look at it."

Tears fall down my cheeks when he touches my bicep. I'm so angry to show a moment of weakness in front of this man. I am not a victim. Never was with Daddy, and I'm sure not starting now.

"How many times Ray put his hands to you?"

"Only when he drank."

"I never saw Ray sober."

"Well, Mr. Bondurant, there's your answer."

"I'm sorry."

I look away from him, disregarding the apology.

"I need to set your shoulder if that'd be okay."

"I will do it." I've had enough practice.

"Please, let me."

I sink my teeth into my bottom lip as my eyes well up again.

"Okay?"

"Alright." It's always instant relief, it's just getting to that point. I let out a deep breath and cradle my arm. I wanted to leave and not deal with this, but Forrest is like this giant blockade when I stand up.

His eyes direct me back down to my seat.

This is just embarrassing now.

When Forrest comes back, he's holding some ice in a small satchel.

I take it from him, keeping my head down. Why won't he go away? Doesn't he have his books to tend to? I press the ice to my shoulder. "Thank you."

Forrest goes behind the bar and clanks some dishes around.

...

Boots step in front of me that aren't his.

My eyes jolt upward.

Howard removes his hat, as it hangs loosely on his fingers. He's distraught, it showing all over his face.

I don't blame Howard at all. This is my fault. I continuously asked for this by getting in his face.

"I am sorry I put my hands on you, Charlotte."

"You don't have to apologize. It's my fault, and you weren't trying to hurt me."

"It, it just happened so fast, I-"

"Howard, stop. It's okay."

"Let me drive you home."

"Howard, go on now. Leave her alone," Forrest interrupts. "Come get you some of this chili."

"I ain't hungry," he replies, leaving the station.

Forrest sets a bowl down in front of me.

I'm not hungry either, but I don't want to be rude.

Instead of sitting with me, he has a seat at the bar.

My eyes water from how spicy the chili is, although it's damn good. "What's in this?"

"Family secret."

"Who am I going to tell? Lorelai never cooked a day in her life." I sigh when I don't get a response. I find it frustrating that he'll just goes silent in the middle of a conversation.

There's a knock on the door. Oh, he's not the Bondurant I'm expecting.

"Uh," Forrest stammers, rubbing the back of his neck, "you alright?"

I hear Lorelai's door open and put my index finger to my lips to hush him so he doesn't worry her.

"Who's at the door?" Lorelai asks. Her eyes light up. "Hi, Forrest!"

He tips his hat. "You look pretty tonight, Miss Lorelai."

I'll admit. His complement made me a bit jealous. Elizabeth always got the men's attention, and now it seems the same with Lorelai. Maybe it's these boots?

"Thanks," she blushes, "Jack's takin' me to a picture."

His eyes move up to me. "You allow this?"

"It was Charlotte's idea. I'm gonna get my shoes," Lorelai speaks for me, hurrying off.

"Figured you were here to chaperone the date."

Jack walks up on the porch, removing his hat.

Forrest gives him a look once over. "I knew nothin' of the sorts." He agrees to let Jack use the truck so they don't have to walk.

"Bye, Charlotte," Lorelai giggles.

I wave at her and watch the truck leave. "Well, you came all the way out here, let me at least make you some coffee before I take you home."

"Mmhm."

"I'd tell you to have a seat at the kitchen table, but you broke it."

"Uh.."

"You remember the living room," I point. I shake my head back and forth when he starts feeling in his pocket for a cigar.

"Mmhm," he grumbles, putting it back, "you know, I think you don't mind my smokin' one bit."

"Is that so?"

"I think you just like bossin' me around."

"That's your decision, wouldn't you say?"

His face becomes blank. "Mmhm..." he mumbles displeased. "Uh.. ..Mh"

"What was that?"

"Nothin'."

"You mumble a lot."

"And you flap your jaw too much! Coffee's cold. Make it again."

I rip it from his hands. There's still condensation around the rim when I pour it out. "There was nothing wrong with that last cup."

"I know," he takes it from me and leans back, "I just thought I'd see who's bossin' who."

I move my eyes skyward.

"Have a seat now, let me take a look at that shoulder. I reckon it's sore."

"I'm fine."

"I learned a few things in my life and no woman sayin' she's fine is ever the God's honest truth. Sit down, let me look at you and I won't tell you again."

I agree thinking it's going to be quick, like he'll rotate my arm or something.

"Turn your back towards me."

What good does that do?

Forrest starts towards the top of my dress and goes to unbutton it.

I freeze, and it only becomes even more awkward as he slips the fabric over my shoulder. My lip tremble's as I look over my shoulder at him.

"I ain't gonna force you into nothin'."

"Showing a lot of flesh makes me nervous."

His eyes quickly move to mine. "I apologize, Miss Charlotte." He pulls my sleeve over my shoulder and buttons up my dress.

Something comes over me. I don't know why I feel the need to explain myself to Forrest Bondurant of all people. "I'm not like Elizabeth," I murmur, "never have been."

He clears his throat. "I.. I didn't mean that."

"Not now, but you thought it. I heard what you said on the porch. Telling Jack to have his fun."

"Uh.."

"You think you're the first person to have said it?" I get a bitter scowl on my face. "Why the Slaughter girls, they'll show you a good time." My expression softens. "That's what they say about us. I can't go anywhere in this town without getting a look for something I never even did. I saved myself for marriage only to find out, nobody wants to marry me." I tear up and look away from him.

"I might be guilty of thinkin' you're like Elizabeth, but I didn't come here with any intention other than making sure you was alright after what happened last night."

I wipe my tears and look back over my shoulder at him. "Really?"

He nods. "I'm truly sorry if I made you feel that way. It was wrong of me to call you names. Especially, when I see it ain't nothin' but a lie."

"I'm sorry I threatened your life."

"I appreciate that."

"No, I mean it. I blamed you boys for destroying my life but this is on Ray, not you. He chose the drink over us and I guess I've been too stubborn to see it. Truth is, I just wanted a place for my anger." I sweep my tears away.

He takes it upon himself to reach into his pocket and dry the rest of my face with his handkerchief.

I find myself in a position I've never been in before. Flushed cheeks, sweaty hands, tingling skin. I just want to be alone for a bit. "Did you eat supper? I can make a pot of beans."

"Beans are fine, thank you."

No, thank you, you stubborn bastard.

...

"I think it's working now." He's spent the last hour after supper taking apart the record player and putting it back together. Forrest presses the needle to the record and it starts up.

"Thank you so much, I can't afford another one."

"We'll call it even for you fixin' supper."

It sure isn't anything in comparison to his chili, but he's happy. My eyes well up uncontrollably. I find myself happy for the first time since I've been back. Happy because of him. I move my arms around him. "Thank you," I cry. I know he's awkward to return the embrace, but he does. I've never felt safe in my home before and I find it strange it comes from a man known by others from his ferocity. I tuck myself away against his cardigan. The faint smoky smell that lingers in the fibers are overpowered by the scent of fabric that has just been washed. The thought of him hunched over a washboard with a cigar between his lips brings a smile to mine.

Forrest touches his hand to my lower back.

I tilt my head up to find him staring at me.

He tucks some hair behind my ear, then grazes my cheek with his thumb. "A Bondurant and a Slaughter," he murmurs.

"There's no stopping Lorelai I've realized."

Forrest gives me an unrelenting stare as his callous thumb goes back for a second pass over my now reddening skin.

Is.. Is he talking about us? My nervous fingers knot the back of his cardigan.

The door swings open, startling the both of us as we repel from each other.

"You fixed the record player," Lorelai beams.

"Come now, we best be gettin' on," Forrest tells Jack.

Right now? But I thought-

"Night, Miss Lorelai," Jack smiles.

"Goodnight," she giggles, going to her room.

I don't want things to end like this. I open the door back up.

"What's eatin' you?" Jack asks.

Forrest points to the truck dismissing him. He lights his cigar, turning to face me.

"That's all you have to say?" I don't even get a mumble. Just some stoic stare. "What was that about? In there."

"I apologize for the way I behaved."

He- He's apologizing?

"It will never happen again."

I can't say anything back because I'm focusing too hard on keeping my tears from falling. Forrest turns his back just in time as they roll down my cheeks. Charlotte, you stupid girl.