***Warning-Physical abuse mentioned in this Chapter***
You've got a Friend
When you're down and troubled
and you need a helping hand
and nothing, whoa nothing is going right.
Close your eyes and think of me
and soon I will be there
to brighten up even your darkest nights.
You just call out my name,
and you know wherever I am
I'll come running, oh yeah baby
to see you again.
Winter, spring, summer, or fall,
all you have to do is call
and I'll be there, yeah, yeah, yeah.
You've got a friend.
If the sky above you
should turn dark and full of clouds
and that old north wind should begin to blow
Keep your head together and call my name out loud
and soon I will be knocking upon your door.
You just call out my name and you know wherever I am
I'll come running to see you again.
Winter, spring, summer or fall
all you got to do is call
and I'll be there, yeah, yeah, yeah.
Hey, ain't it good to know that you've got a friend?
People can be so cold.
They'll hurt you and desert you.
Well they'll take your soul if you let them.
Oh yeah, but don't you let them.
You just call out my name and you know wherever I am
I'll come running to see you again.
Oh babe, don't you know that,
Winter spring summer or fall,
Hey now, all you've got to do is call.
Lord, I'll be there, yes I will.
You've got a friend.
You've got a friend.
Ain't it good to know you've got a friend.
Ain't it good to know you've got a friend.
You've got a friend.
Daryl and Trinity stayed in the quiet Sunday school room talking for an hour. Daryl had never been much of a talker in the past, but Trinity made it easy for him. She would ask him questions, and he would answer and vice versa. Daryl asked her a question she dreaded was coming since they started talking, "How come you never spoke with me before the other night?"
"Truthfully? Because your Dad scares me to death, and my mom had threatened me within an inch of my life if I ever associated with you or your family." She said.
"What made you change your mind?" He replied.
"I honestly can't say, except for the fact that it isn't right to pretend to be a Christian, and then try to make it a selective group of who can and can't be members. How is it right the exclude someone because they don't meet the profile of perfection?" She asked.
"I saw your mom looking at me this morning, and I don't think she likes me very much." He told her.
"Don't feel bad, she doesn't like too many people, unless she can benefit from them. She's just like her dad." Trinity said in a matter of fact tone.
"I couldn't help but notice that you don't look at him like someone would look at their Grandfather, you look at him like he's a monster." Daryl inquired.
Trinity sighed not knowing how to answer the question that Daryl just posed to her. She finally spoke meekly, "Some things are just better left unsaid Daryl. I think we both know he isn't anything like the person he portrays. He hates my father, and he has a control over my mother that isn't normal. And I look at him like he is a monster because he is."
Daryl simply nodded to let her know he understood, than simply said, "I would rather deal with a monster like my dad, who everyone knows is evil, than one who portrays himself as a saint, and in reality is a bigger monster than anyone could imagine. I'm sorry you have to deal with that Trinity."
Trinity's eyes teared up, but she took a deep breath and composed herself, "Thanks Daryl. Just so you know, I have never expressed my opinion about Ezra to anyone, so if you could keep it between us, I would appreciate it. There would be hell to pay for me if anyone knew what I thought."
Daryl just smiled, "Consider it locked in a vault. Your secret is safe with me."
Trinity looked at him and noticed how handsome he looked when his features were softened, " You know Daryl, I had always been a bit scared of you, but talking to you like this I realize I just misunderstood you. I think we both know you don't have it easy at home, and if you ever need a friend to talk to, I will be there for you. We both could use a friend and I hope you will consider it."
Daryl's stomach did a flip as she made that statement. To be honest, Daryl had never really had a friend. Anyone he had ever attempted to have a friendship with was either too scared of his dad, or had parents that wouldn't allow the person to be near Daryl because of his dad. He had lived a lonely existence with the exception of the few times that Merle would let him tag along on a hunting or camping trip.
"Trinity, I would like that, but I don't know how your parents would take it." He said.
"Parent singular Daryl. Daddy wouldn't mind a bit, my mom on the other hand, not so much. But don't you worry about that, I just wish I had made an attempt sooner to get to know you. We have lived next door to each other for fourteen years, and I have never really spoken to you, and it makes me feel bad that I never tried." She said sincerely.
"So how does this work? You and I both know that I won't be welcome in your house, and it isn't safe for you to come over to mine?" He asked.
"We will figure something out. Plus there is always school. And to be quite honest with you Daryl, I will be eighteen in June, and as soon as that happens, I am out of my parent's house. I have a place that I can go, and if you want, you could go with me." She said.
"Um Trinity, Don't you think that is a little fast? You don't know me I could be dangerous for all you know. You really shouldn't be so trusting." He said
"Daryl, I know "things" about you. I also know you don't deserve the situation you are living in, and too many people in our neighborhood and town have turned a blind eye to what goes on at your house. I'm going to be the first person to step up and offer you a way out but it just will be a few months. If we can get through this school year, we both might have a shot of happiness."
"I am having a hard time processing this right now Trinity. Don't take it wrong, but no one had ever really said anything like that to me, or actually given a damn. I always suspected people just saw me as a throw away kid that wouldn't ever be anything in life." He told her.
"So it's settled Daryl, we're buddies now!" She joked.
Trinity packed up several containers of leftovers and put them in a bag for Daryl to take home. He didn't really know how to react to the kindness she offered him, so he simply said "thank you" for what she had done. Her father insisted on driving Daryl home instead of letting him walk. Quinn huffed in disappointment, but Albert ignored his wife's actions.
When Daryl got home he went to fridge and loaded it up with the leftovers, but not before fixing himself one more plate. He couldn't remember the last time he went to bed with his belly full. Daryl was glad he chose to go tonight, he actually had a friend, someone who knew just how bad things were for him, and understood. Trinity had alluded to a few things as well regarding her mom and grandfather. She hadn't gone into any detail about what had happened, but Daryl assumed she would tell him eventually. If she was gonna offer to be a friend to him, then he would certainly return the favor.
When Daryl awoke the next morning, he was actually in a good mood. He reached under his mattress and pulled out a cigarette and kicked back onto his bed and turned on the radio and began to relax. How long had it been since he had felt this way? He really wasn't sure he ever felt this good before. Of course, like everything else in his life, the feeling didn't last very long.
"Baby brother, get your ass out here right now." He heard Merle beckon.
Daryl finished his cigarette and got out of bed to meet Merle in the kitchen. Merle had found the food in the refrigerator and had fixed himself a heaping plate. "Hey Merle, Don't eat it all up, it's mine" He said.
"Nope, it's ours. You can't let your brother starve" Merle replied.
"Yeah, I'm sure you wouldn't let me starve, oh yeah, that's right, you already do." Daryl said with bitterness in his voice.
"What, one night with Jesus and you turn into a bitch. You best watch your mouth Darling before I beat the shit out of you." Merle threatened.
Daryl didn't say anything, so Merle continued on, "So did you and the little princess next door get to bumping uglies?"
"Merle, she ain't like that at all. Don't say that about her." Daryl responded heatedly.
"What, you got feelings for her. Boy, don't let her get inside your head, women are good for only one thing. You start feeling things for 'em and the next thing you know you are tied down for the rest of your life. Nothing will ever be your own. Don't let it happen, We're Dixon boys, and we don't let bitches rule our life." Merle threatened.
Daryl just scoffed at his brother's ridiculous statements. Besides, Daryl was just friends with Trinity. Nothing more than that even though she did offer to help him get out of the hellhole of a town, but he doubted very seriously that she really could do anything about his circumstances.
His conversation with Merle was abruptly interrupted when Gene burst through the door drunker than hell and with anger in his eyes. "Well if ain't my two good for nothing sons having a bonding moment. Ain't that sweet you fucking pussies."
Daryl shivered knowing there wasn't any window near by that he could slip out of. It took Gene all of three seconds to notice all the food and containers on the table, "What the fuck is this? We don't take charity handouts…which one of you bastards brought this here?"
Daryl spoke, "I did. I took home some leftovers from Church last night. Thought we could use the food since there isn't a God Damn thing to eat in this house."
"What the fuck did you just say to me boy? You think you can come into this house and disrespect me like that? If I find out you were at church with those Jesus freaks from next door you are going to wish you were dead boy." Gene threatened.
Daryl snapped at his father's comments, "You know what you sorry piece of shit, I was at their church last night, and it was the first time in a long while that I actually felt good about something…" Smack! Gene's fist came across Daryl's face before he could respond.
Gene then jumped on his son and began beating the hell out of him. Daryl threw his hands up to protect his face, but it was pointless. Merle tried to diffuse the situation, "Pa, he is just trying to get himself a piece of ass from the little girl next door, it won't nothing more than that."
But Daryl wouldn't let Merle trivialize Trinity like that "Your full of shit Merle. She's my friend, not like one of your whores."
As Gene continued to beat mercilessly on his youngest son, Merle gave Daryl a look that said he was just trying to help. But Daryl was now at a point that he couldn't respond. Each punch his father threw was becoming more violent and painful.
"Boy, you want to go hang out with those zealots and raise your hand to Jesus? I will make sure you ain't raising nothing to that sorry Piece of Shit, the Good Lord don't want nothing to do with us Dixon's" Gene said with venom in his voice.
Daryl was suddenly overwhelmed with an agonizing burning pain in his arm, as a sickening snap seemed to radiate across the room. Daryl wasn't sure exactly what happened at first, but the disturbed look on Merle's face told him it wasn't good. Daryl took a good look at his left arm and realized it was now bent between his elbow and shoulder. It wasn't just a fracture but his father had broken his arm severely.
Daryl began to writhe in pain and embarrassment as his father got up off of him and gave him a final kick in the ribs for good measure. "Boy, you don't fuck with me EVER again. And if I catch you with any of those people again, you are gonna wish you were dead." He said as spit on his son.
Merle took one look at Daryl and knew he needed medical attention. His arm was bent at an angle that wasn't natural, and the boy was covered in cuts, bruises, and blood.
"Daryl ain't you learned yet to keep your fucking mouth shut" Merle spoke, Not exactly knowing how to react.
"Help me the fuck up" Daryl moaned, trying to control the pain his body was going through.
Merle went over to help his brother get up off the floor. Daryl winced as he did his best to stand up straight, the pain almost making him black out. He pushed it down and made his way to the front door and outside.
Trinity was working out in her mom's flowerbed when she saw the battered Daryl stumble out the front door, with Merle coming out the front door after him. Trinity dropped everything and ran over to Daryl's side to assess what had happened to him. She saw he was covered in blood and his arm was obviously broken.
She looked at Merle, "What happened?"
Merle didn't say a word, but he didn't have too. His lack of response let her know exactly what had happened. His father had done this too him.
"We need to get him to the hospital now." She didn't allow Merle to even question her decision.
Daryl spoke, gasping in pain, "No hospitals, please"
Merle finally looked at both of them, "Sorry Daryl, you gotta get that arm fixed. We'll tell them you wrecked on a motorcycle."
Trinity looked at Merle like he was speaking a foreign language. "Why don't we just tell them the truth? Your father deserves to be locked up for this."
"You just don't get it do you girly? Daryl ain't eighteen yet, if they find out Gene did this, then they aren't going to let him come back and they will stick him in a home somewhere away from here. I ain't gonna let them take my baby brother. Just go with me on this and I will make sure Gene doesn't do this to him again."
Reluctantly Trinity agreed. "Let's get him to the truck and take him now." She said.
She ran next door quickly and told her father what happened. Her mother began to protest but Albert reluctantly gave her permission to make sure that Daryl was OK. "I have to go by the church to handle a few things, but call me when you know something. I'm real proud of you Trinity for trying to be a friend to him."
Quinn spoke, "Are you kidding me Albert? He's probably on drugs like his brother, and you are letting her go without a chaperone with the both of them to the hospital."
Albert looked directly at Quinn, "Are you volunteering to go with them then Quinn? I have a business meeting with the deacons and I have to go, so does this mean you are stepping up?"
Quinn was silent and just shook her head, "Albert this is just another one of the many mistakes you have made. I'm tired of having to clean up your messes. I really think my father was right about you and I often wonder why I didn't listen to him."
Albert ignored his wife's comments. "Trinity call me if you need me. I will come by and check on you guys after the meeting."
Trinity was proud of her father for standing up to Quinn. She had noticed a shift in her parent's relationship in the past few months. She wasn't sure what had happened to cause the change, but she was relieved that her father didn't seem to allow her mom to continue to walk all over him anymore.
Trinity rushed over to Merle's truck and jumped in. She opted to sit in the middle so that Daryl could support himself against the door. "OK Merle, we will go along with the wrecked Motorcycle story, but you have to promise me that you won't let this happen to him again. You're bigger than Daryl and you could protect him from your dad better than you do."
Merle nodded in agreement. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to let him down. You don't have any idea how fucked up things are at our house. But you need to keep your nose out of it. Daryl is better off without people nosing around, it will only make our Pa angrier."
Trinity didn't respond. She simply took Daryl's hand in hers and whispered in his ear so Merle couldn't hear her. "I told you I would be your friend Daryl, so you just tell me what you want me to do, and I will do it for you. OK."
Daryl didn't say anything as he just squeezed her hand and sighed. His pain was becoming worse as they got closer to the hospital. In his seventeen years he had only been to the hospital twice, both times when his mother was still alive. If it hadn't been for the arm injury, he would have refused to go, but he knew that he couldn't fix this one himself and he didn't want to risk being permanently disfigured by the injury healing incorrectly.
They arrived at the Emergency room and Daryl was taken back immediately. They allowed Trinity and Merle to go back with him after Merle lied and said Trinity was his sister. The nurse looked at them suspiciously when Merle told them that Daryl had a motorcycle accident. She looked at the name on the chart, and then looked at Merle, "Dixon, as in Gene Dixon?"
"Yeah, what of it bitch? What's that got to do with my brother here?" He challenged her question.
"Nothing, sorry I asked." She replied.
They had taken Daryl for X-rays and then were waiting for the Doctor to come in and discuss Daryl's injuries with them. Trinity sat quietly beside Daryl, who was now quite groggy from the dose of pain meds that they had administered to him.
Merle got up, "I'm gonna grab a coffee, you need anything?" he addressed Trinity.
"No, I'm good but thanks for offering." She said.
When Merle left Trinity moved closer over to Daryl. "Hey Daryl, how are you doing?"
Through slurred words he responded, "better now. You don't have to stay if you don't want to, I'm just a burden on you."
"No you're not Daryl. If you were I wouldn't be here." She answered.
"Can I ask you a question?" Daryl said.
"Sure anything." She replied.
"When you said last night you had a place you could go when you turn eighteen, and that I could go with you, were you serious?" He asked.
She looked him directly in the eyes, with all the seriousness she could muster. "Yes Daryl. We both need to get out of this place. And if you are willing to go with me, I'm willing to take you. We can support each other as friends. But we can talk about it more once we get you out of here."
Please leave me a review on this Chapter. This story will still remain pretty dark through the early chapters, but as the title mentions, things will get better for Trinity and Daryl as time goes on.
So REVIEW REVIEW REVIEW for me, and I will take all advice and suggestions. This story is for you guys, so I want you to like it.
