Disclaimer: I own nothing.

––

Carol spoke with the principal on Monday morning, but he showed her footage of only Daryl going into the locker room. She stared at it, and it didn't look doctored at all. It was just of Daryl pushing a cart of basketballs into the locker room, and he left perfectly uninjured.

"What about near three? I went down there. Where's that footage?"

"Mr. Jenner." Phillip met her eyes. "Shane Walsh and Ceasar Martinez didn't have anything to do with this. Daryl's a troubled young man, and he probably did it for attention."

"Excuse me? What person beats himself up, tapes his ankles, wrists, eyes and mouth just for attention? Honestly? Daryl doesn't even like attention!" She was getting angry, and it was evident on her face.

"He's done this before," Phillip informed him. "Sophomore year. He gave himself a bloody nose and a black eye, and Shane was suspended for two weeks. We found the footage of Daryl hitting himself. Would you like to see that too?"

"Yes, I would actually."

Phillip pulled it up, and she stared in surprise as she watched very grainy Daryl punch himself in the face. She closed her eyes before his fist hit, and he stopped the video. She opened her eyes and closed her mouth.

"Do you need anything else, Mr. Jenner?"

"No. No, I don't." She left his office and went to her room. Daryl beat himself up? What? She couldn't believe it. He didn't seem like the type. Why would he ever want to get Shane in trouble for something he didn't do? Shane was repulsive and crude, but there was no reason for him to attack himself for the sake of disliking Shane. Daryl said he and Merle were alike in ways she didn't know about. Merle pulled a lot of stunts when he was in high school. Carol was a freshmen when he was a senior, so she heard a lot about him, and he was vulgar. She really hoped he didn't teach what he did to teachers and students when he went to school to Daryl. If so, she may have to rethink home tutoring.

She sat down and found a bagel with cream cheese on her desk with a note from Lilly attached. She stared at it, not at all hungry. She was trying to figure out how Shane got in and out of the boy's locker room without being seen by any of the cameras. How did he get Daryl inside as well? Was there a secret tunnel? A—Window. There were windows in the locker room. Surely big enough for someone Shane's size to fit through. She would have to check after school, because Coach Jones had a first period physical education class, they would be dressing out, and he locked up the locker rooms to prevent thieves from taking any personal items.

She crossed her legs and rubbed the back of her neck. Why would Daryl physically harm himself just to get someone in trouble? That doesn't make any sense. He's a good young man, so why? What the hell is going on with him?

She couldn't get an answer, because Daryl didn't come in that morning. She was disappointed in him, but she couldn't force him to pass the class. He could always... No. He couldn't do credit recovery in summer school. It's a hundred dollars per class, and he couldn't afford a five dollar t-shirt. She could pay for him, but that would be a handout, and he didn't seem to like those. She smiled. Like herself.

"You're smiling in a room by yourself. Should I have knocked?" It was Lori.

"What are you doing here?" She uncrossed her legs and stood up.

"Lunch." She held up a plastic bag. "Fried chicken, boiled potatoes with garlic butter and steamed carrots. I put some fresh fruit in there too."

"Thanks. I forgot about my lunch." She took the bag and set it in her fridge. "Why are you wearing my boots?"

"Because I ruined my tennis shoes with mud the other night, and I love these. You never wear them."

"I wear them all the time." She never wore them outside of her bedroom. Ed loved them, said they were his favorite, along with the leather knee-high military boots. "Take them off. You ruined my stilettos."

"Fine, give me your heels." She unzipped them.

"Lori." She removed them, swapped with Lori and slid the suede, knee-high boots. "How big are you feet?"

"I don't know. Let me kick you in the face and see how big that bruise is." She shook her head and laughed as Carol giggled. "Bitch."

"You're the one who wore my screw-me boots."

"God, you and Ed didn't—?" She nodded. "Excuse me while I go get my legs waxed—off."

"I'm kidding. He likes the black ones, not the gray ones. See, stay out of my closet."

"Trust me, I will." She shuddered. "I'm going to work now."

"Tell Rick I said hello."

"I will." She pushed the door open still facing Carol, and there was a thud. "Did I just kill one of your students?"

Carol opened the door and found Daryl on his butt, groaning. "Daryl!" This was not a good week for him. If he didn't self-inflict his injuries. "Are you okay?" She crouched down.

"Friggin' peachy." He pulled his knee and glared at Lori. "What're you lookin' at?"

"A twit with a wit."

"Lori, please." Carol shook her head. "I'll call you."

"Yes, ma'am." She stepped over Daryl's legs and walked off.

"I'm sorry. Did you hurt anything?"

"Else, you mean?" He stood up. "I came to get my work. I ain't gonna be here fourth."

"Why not?" She rose. "Doctor's appointment?"

"Why don't you keep your nose outta my business," Daryl replied. "Just need my work."

She forced a smile and went over to her desk, looking for the folder for fourth. "This will be due tomorrow at the beginning of class."

"Okay." He crossed his arms as she looked for the folder. He chewed on his thumbnail, studying the floor, peering up once and seeing her bending over her desk. Her dress slid up, revealing the back of her thighs. She had such flawless skin, he noted. What was wrong with her? Anything? Bitch had money, a man, parents, a nice home. Why? What did she do to deserve any of that? She was just born into it. He would probably never make a one fourth of what she had stored away in his entire life. What did he do to deserve the shitty end?

"All right. These are the notes, and the pa—Daryl?" She frowned at the sad look in his eyes. "Are you okay?"

"Don't matter." He snatched the papers. "See you." He walked out.

She exhaled. Hopefully, he reads the note and comes to study on Tuesday. If not, she'd see him next year.

––

Daryl tossed her notes into the fire and watched it burn. He flipped through his student file he'd stolen from the office, and he tossed it into the fire as well. He was done with school. He watched the angry red flames devour the folder within seconds, and all he could think about was Carol's red hair. She was probably be the only—No, that didn't matter anymore. He wasn't a student anymore, and he would never see her again.

– – –

Carol got extremely concerned when Daryl kept missing school. He had to be out of parents notes, so on the afternoon before Thanksgiving break, she went to the office to call the number on his file. There was no file when she looked. She remembered Daryl had a bulk in his shirt the last time she saw him. He must've taken it. She could see him burning it. Dixons and fire. Merle nearly burn down the chemistry lab when he was here. Daryl probably got that from him too.

She drove to his trailer, and he was there. He sat on the steps, smoking and drinking. She marched over to him and glowered venomously.

"Hey, pretty lady." He'd just finished the last of a twelve-pack.

"Give me that." She snatched the cigarette and smashed it out into the ground.

"Hey!" He shot up. "The hell you think you're doin'?"

She groaned at his alcohol-soaked breathe. "We need to talk." She covered her nose.

"No, we don't needa do nothin'. Why do you keep comin' back?"

"Because you need an authoritative figure in your life, and I guess that'll have to be me."

He narrowed his eyes. "It ain't just that."

"Yes, it is." She moved her hand. "God, what have you been drinking?"

"Can I get you anything?" He was mocking her. "Beer? Wine? Champagne?"

"Don't be unpleasant."

"You wanna bring pleasure into this?" He tsked. "Naughty."

"What?" She stepped back as he approached her. "Daryl, stop."

"Stop what?" He stumbled and knocked her against his truck, she groaned as he fell against her, his arms trapping her. "You get dressed up for me?" he murmured, her scent overwhelming him.

"Daryl, please." She met his eyes. "You don't want to do anything stupid."

"I ain't."

"Then move back." She kept calm. "Let me get you some coffee."

"I don't want coffee."

"Water then. Or a breathe mint." He could use both.

He clumsily brushed hair from her cheek. "You're real pretty today." He leaned down and kissed her, she squealed into his mouth, surprised, and she pushed on his chest, easily knocking him over. "Merle, get you ugly ass out here!"

She stared at him with wide eyes. Did that just happen?

"What?" Merle stepped out of the house. "Well, well, well." He chuckled. "See y'all are gettin' along."

"Don't be ridiculous." Carol crossed her arms, blushing. "He's drunk. He's a minor, and he's drunk. That's not at all a trait for a good guardian to have, allowing a minor to have alcohol and to smoke. You—"

"Save me the lecture and help me with the boy." He padded down the stairs and grabbed one of Daryl's arms, hauling him up. "C'mon, sugar."

She slid her arm under his and helped Merle haul Daryl inside. Merle tossed him on his bed, Carol made sure he didn't hurt his head, and she moved him so he wasn't half on the floor. Merle had already went back to what he was doing before, so she had to tend to him.

"Don't touch me," he murmured.

"You're wearing your muddy boots to bed. Let me remove them." She lowered herself down on her knees and untied them. She noticed a scar on the top of his foot and she ran her finger over it. How odd. It was jagged, as if someone broke a beer bottle and ran it over his foot.

"Tickles," he muttered.

She removed his other boot. "Do you want anything? Water?"

He opened his eyes. "Yeah, I want you to leave. Don't let the door hit your big ass on the way out."

She bit her lip as tears burned in her eyes. She was so self-conscious about her body, and no one knew, because she hid it well. That hit right where it hurt. "Fine. Be Merle and fail." She hurried out of the trailer and went home, hearing every comment Ed ever made about her weight and her body, and she waited until she was home before she cried.

– – –

She stayed in bed on Thanksgiving, not wanting to cook or speak to her family or even move. She just wanted to curl up and never move. She didn't even know why Daryl's words effected her so much more than Ed's. Perhaps she was used to Ed's crude remarks, and hoped only he saw them. With Daryl seeing them, that meant more people saw them. God, how disgusting was she?

"Carol." Lori came into her bedroom. "It's five o' clock, and I'm not holding a pan of breadcrumbs listening to you tell me for the hundredth time to hot add chicken broth, not hot water. What the hell are you doing here?"

She rolled over. "I'm disgusting and fat and I've spend all day in bed eating...well, I swallowed a bit of my pillowcase, but it'll come out eventually."

"Oh, honey." She climbed into bed and laid beside her. "What happened? Ed?"

"No." She sat up, her hair probably sticking up in every direction. "Daryl Dixon then Ed and then myself. God, what did I swallow?" She coughed. "I don't think that was cotton."

"Daryl? What did he do? He's twelve."

"He's eighteen and a jerk." She groaned and plopped back down. "I need therapy. Or am I really so revolting? Am I revolting?"

"All right." Lori rolled over and straddled her lap.

"Is this your way of helping me or is this how you're choosing to tell me you're attracted to me?"

"So cute." She smiled bitterly. "No. You are beautiful and intelligent and should never ever ever listen to Daryl Dixon or Ed Peletier. Now, get up, shower and join me and Rick for dinner."

"I'd rather sit in bed and eat popcorn clusters." She pushed on Lori's tiny waist. "Maybe give in and eat ice cream. I have that low fat, soy shit that only losers who get dumped eat."

"It's like I'm talking to a wall." She swung her leg over and stood up. "I'm not asking. I'm demanding." She ripped the blankets off and hauled her out of bed. "I expect these pajamas in pink silk for Christmas. Up." She smacked her ass.

"Ow!" She glared. "You butch bitch. I'm up. Good Lord. What, are you gonna watch me get naked and shower?"

"Wouldn't be the first time."

"Okay, vodka did not agree with me, and you were about to have sex with... What's that really tall guy's name?"

"Okay, college for me was one big blackout. How I am a dental assistant, I really don't know. It's almost scary."

"This is why Mitch does my teeth." She closed the bathroom door and undressed. "Wait, you and Rick? A holiday? Is that good?"

"Hopefully. I'll get an outfit for you."

"Nothing slutty. Some of us have a period."

"I don't hear the shower running!"

"Yes, Mother."

"Oh, don't call me. I may have to beat your pale ass red. You ripped my favorite sweater. This is my third date sweater."

"What? The shower's on. I tragically can't hear." She locked the door and jumped in the shower.

About half an hour later, she came out with makeup on, her hair curled and wearing one of many silk robes that rarely got used. Lori had chosen a feel-good outfit, one of Carol's favorites. It was her off-the-shoulder purple shirt with black jeans and wedges. It was Carol's third date outfit.

"I love this lotion." Lori rubbed some onto her fingers. "I'll never be able to afford it, so I'll steal it from you."

"Be my guest. I hate it." She adjusted the strap. "I'm ready. I hope this is worth it. I need to pig out on comfort food. Wait, you cooked? Darn, I really wanted good food too."

She smacked her forehead. "Shut up." She smiled. "Let's go."

"Get that bottle of champagne from the kitchen." She shouldered her purse and grabbed her jacket, opening the front door and finding Daryl on the other side. "Daryl?" She held her jacket closer. "What brings you here?"

He looked her over.

"Daryl?"

"Uhh. I came to—"

"I couldn't find the champagne, but I found the wine you...love." She stopped in the doorway to the living room. "Hi."

"Hey." He waved a little. "I needa talk to you, Ca—Ms. Jenner."

"I'll meet you at Rick's?" Carol stepped back.

"My place. I'll be waiting." She walked out and mouthed, Ten minutes or less.

"Come inside."

"No, I don't wanna interrupt your evening."

"If you were interrupting my evening, I wouldn't have invited you inside." She sat down. "Please."

He stepped inside and closed the door behind him, sitting on the couch beside her. "You look real nice."

"Thank you, but complimenting me doesn't give you a passing grade. You've missed four weeks."

"I—ain't in school no more."

"Yes, you are. Burning your transcripts doesn't get you out of school. I asked Dale, and he refiled it. You're coming to school on Monday, Daryl Dixon, or Merle goes to jail for truancy."

"What?" he exclaimed. "That ain't fair."

"No, life never is." She met his eyes. "I'm sorry, but you can't just expect to do what you did and not face repercussions."

He groaned. "Son of a bitch."

"Okay, we're in my house, you can't cuss."

He sighed. "Look, I came to say I'm real sorry 'bout the other day."

"That's okay."

"No, it ain't. I turn into an asshole when I get shitfaced, and I shouldn't have said that to you. You didn't do nothin' wrong, and...before in the yard...when I—"

"Daryl, it's really nothing. I've dealt with drunks before, though I wish you weren't one of them. I can understand how life can overwhelm you." She set her hand on his knee. "If you ever want to talk, I'm here. Until then I have a dinner to get to." She stood up. "Speaking of dinner, it's Thanksgiving. Why are you over here? Don't you have plans?"

"Ain't got nowhere else to go. It's just another day to me and Merle."

"Hold this." She handed him her jacket and dug through her purse to find her phone. She called Lori.

"Where are you?"Lori automatically answered.

"Hello to you too. Um, is there room for one more?"

"Daryl?"

"Yes."

"Carol, I know how much you want to help your students, but I really want you to get to know Rick. This is a holiday, and I want my best friend to meet my boyfriend. Please, don't do this. Don't make the bad guy."

"But you're so good at it. Look, I love you. Please?"

"God, fine, you...ginger ho." She sighed. "Does he even want to come?"

"Really, you're asking me after you called me a ginger ho?"

"Carol."

"Oh, hold on." She turned. "Do you have plans?"

"No. I was gonna go home and h—eat."

"Okay, you're my date." She went back to her phone. "Hear that?"

"Yes, and may I say how inappropriate it is for you to call a student your date."

"It wasn't meant that way. I'm engaged, and you're necking the soon-to-be sheriff."

"You have ten minutes before we drink this wine, and all you have to eat are mushy peas and stuffing."

"I love you too."

"Love you too. Bye."

She hung up and slid her phone into her back pocket. "You hungry?"

"Yeah, but you don't gotta drag me along 'cause you feel sorry for me."

"Don't be silly." She smiled. "I want you there. Besides, when Lori gets drunk and Rick has to take her to her bedroom, I'll need someone to talk to out on the porch."

"I ain't dressed for that."

"You look cute." He did, though. He had on a blue flannel shirt with semi-clean jeans, and his hair was washed and combed. He looked better than her high school "boyfriend" when he met her parents for the first time. "Don't be shy."

"I ain't shy, just...uncomfortable."

"Do I make you uncomfortable?"

Hell, yes. "Nah."

"Good, because I'll be right by you all night." She opened the door. "I'll drive, if you don't mind."

What the hell had he gotten himself into?

– – –

At Lori's, the table was prepared with four place settings and chairs, and Carol was glad no one had any issues. Rick was okay with it, or so he seemed, and Lori didn't mind, just as long as Carol got to meet and know Rick a little. Daryl mostly avoided everyone, so she asked him to help take food to the table.

Lori had "cooked"—thankfully here meaning ordered—turkey, greens, dinner rolls—since Lori and flour do not mix—macaroni and cheese, cornbread and she actually cooked green bean casserole and black beans. Rick cut the turkey, Carol made sure Daryl got enough to eat, and Lori made comments with her eyes at Carol's not-so-motherly attentiveness.

Half-way through dinner, Lori refill the dinner rolls—store bought by Rick since Carol bought the wine—and asked Carol to help her with the oven. They waited for the rolls to cook, Carol leaned against the wall, hearing Daryl and Rick talking about guns and safety.

"So, he's a student?" Lori checked on the rolls. "Or is that his pet name?"

"Excuse me?"

Lori rolled her eyes. "I haven't seen you so attentive since Ed bumped into you after organic chemistry and asked you out for coffee." She stood up. "And I thought becoming a teacher would make you dull."

"Am I missing something?" She felt confused. She was being attentive, but only so Daryl didn't feel left out. Lori kept to her inner circle, and Daryl was shy, even if he didn't want to admit it. She wanted him to feel welcome. If she could've, she'd have invited Merle too, but Lori would have killed her. Rick probably would've let her get away with it too, sleeping with him and all. Bad news was craved all over that.

"You want his rolls in your oven," Lori told her.

"I'm happily engaged, and—"

"Anyone who starts off a denial with happily as the second word isn't happily anything. It's been months since you and Ed had sex, and I can understand wanting someone, especially a very handsome, well-built student of yours who needs your "special attention"."

"I am not attracted to Daryl. He's my student, and I'm engaged. Ed's coming home...soon." She bit her bottom lip. She was fond of him, but not fond of his body. She didn't even think of him that way. Now she did. He may have many amiable qualities, such as strong arms and beautiful eyes and that husky Southern drawl that could stir certain emotions— "Damn it, Lori!" She glared.

"What?" She studied her. "Oh, my God, you are attracted to him? I was kidding."

"I am not and will not...answer you. Get the rolls. I have a doctor's appointment in the morning. I don't need to be here all night."

"Don't be afraid to be naughty," Lori murmured.

"Lori, don't."

"Fine." She took the rolls out. "Daryl?"

"Really? Rolls and Daryl? You're sick, and I'm never eating bread again." She walked out of the kitchen and sat down beside Daryl, uncomfortable now. She tucked hair behind her ear and took a drink of wine. Okay, Carol, don't let such a silly thing bother you. It's Daryl. He's a sweet young man, and he needs someone to rely on. It isn't an attraction. Lori simply got into your head. She does that, like a worm.

She ran a hand through her hair and ate a forkful of turkey. Now it was awkward. The small conversations had ended, now the softly clanking of silverware filled the room. Rick kept glancing around, like he was waiting for someone to talk to him. Lori was glancing only at Carol, and Daryl was focused so hard on his plate that the house could've been on fire and he would not have noticed. The house catching on fire would probably be the only way to save this dinner.

After a less awkward dessert, Lori and Rick disappeared, and Carol stepped outside for some fresh air. She sat down on the steps and ran her hands over her face, getting really tired. All she wanted to do was curl up with the heat on and never wake up. Or wake up when school started up. Maybe not even then.

"Carol?"

"Hmm?" She lifted her head and found Daryl crouched down in front of her. "What?"

"Guess you fell asleep a little. It's almost midnight, and I gotta get home."

"Right. Home. I'm sorry." She stood up and stumbled from a head rush, he grasped her shoulders and steadied her. "Umm, give me a minute. I need say goodbye." She went inside. "Lori?"

"There you are. I thought you went home and left Daryl with us." She held out a bag. "Here. Turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes and rolls. Oh, and some pecan pie and gravy."

"Leftovers?" She held back a yawn. "How sweet."

"You're making Christmas dinner."

"I knew you were gonna say that. Okay, fine." She hugged her. "Thank you for dinner and allowing Daryl to join us."

"Don't mention it." She pulled back, handing her the bag. "Drive safely. You look exhausted."

"Holiday food does that to me." She rubbed her eye. "Where's Rick?"

"In the bathroom. I'll tell him you said goodnight."

"Okay. Thanks again. I'll call you later."

Lori walked her to the door, Daryl watched her unsteadily walk down the steps, and they both decided it would be better if she didn't drive. Lori didn't really want Daryl driving, because if she didn't know if he was a good driver. A lot student drivers were horrible drivers,and they could up in the bottom of a lake and no one would know. (They would probably assume Daryl kidnapped her and fled the country.) However Lori had to work tomorrow, and Carol had her doctor's appointment, and those two offices were miles apart...so Daryl was the only option. Or let them crash when Carol falls asleep.

"Bye." Lori waved as he pulled out. If he kidnaps her, Carol was screwed.

Carol ran a hand over her eyes and stifled a yawn. "I'm sorry."

"It's all right," he assured her.

She turned her head and looked at him. "Did you even enjoy yourself? Or did I force you into the situation?"

"Been to worse."

"So, it was horrible, but not the most horrible dinner you were forced in to?"

He chuckled. "I didn't say that."

"You didn't have to. I'm sorry. It's a holiday. I didn't want you to be alone."

"Why do you care so much?"

She exhaled, and it was hard to keep her eyes open, so she stopped trying. "When I was a kid, my parents were never around, and I was alone all the time. I hated it."

"You didn't have friends?"

"No. I was such a loser to everyone, and I was probably ten when I was in seventh grade. No one wants to hang around with someone who's not even in the same age bracket."

"Ten? Knew you was intelligent, but...damn."

"Intelligence isn't that fantastic," she murmured. "Not if it means being alone or being with Ed."

He glanced over. "Thought you loved Ed."

"No, I'm in love with the idea of someone loving me, but that's not what I want." She sat up. "I want a man that—" she cut off. "Never mind. I don't know why I'm talking about this. Why am I talking about this? I'm probably freaking you out. I'll just shut up."

He half-smiled at her. "Sleep, if you want. You're exhausted."

"If I sleep now I'll be wide awake all night. I have plans."

"What?"

"Doctor's, setting up a Christmas tree, and decorations." She yawned. "I might just not do anything and sleep all day. I'm so tired."

"Sleep, woman. It ain't that hard." He turned the heat up so she would fall asleep, and when she did, he turned the heat back down. Tonight was strange. He had made plans to just stay home, but he had to apologize for what he said. He was such an asshole when he was drunk, though he wouldn't redo that kiss. He could still taste her lips. He wanted to find Ed and ask him how he could leave Carol alone for so long, especially since he knew her past. She hates to be alone, so Ed leaves her alone all the time? What a dick.

He pulled into her driveway near 12:45, and he tried to wake her up, but she out cold. He knew which key was her house key, because she had it on a different keyring. He would have to carry her inside. Great.

He set the leftovers on the steps then unlocked the front door. He opened the car door, she shuddered a little, but didn't wake. He slid one arm under her legs and one around her back, pulling her out. Unconsciously her arms wrapped around his neck, her head falling on his shoulder, and he felt her lips on his neck. He shut the door with his foot and carried her inside, nudging the leftovers inside with the tip of his boot and closing the door with the heel of his boot.

Karma ran over to them, jumping up on him, yipping.

"Shh. Hush."

She stopped instantly, sat down and held out a paw.

"Gimme a minute." He carried her to her bedroom and set her down. She rolled over and curled up, he grabbed the blanket off the chair beside the bed and covered her with it then went and found Karma's treats. "Here, begger."

She devoured it and looked up at him with big eyes.

"No. I gotta go." He put them back and then put the leftovers in the fridge. He stopped when he heard his name, and he peered into Carol's bedroom, but she was still asleep. He shook his head and left, writing it off as exhaustion.