A/N Thanks you guys. Okay, I get it. You don't like the plan. No one likes the plan. Let's see how that plan works out.

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They were nearly to his place and she hadn't spoken two words to him since they left the café. He took a quick glance over at her and he knew what was going on, she didn't have to say one damn word. Baby wasn't happy. She was trying to hide it but he saw right through her.

He wasn't going to waiver from the plan though, no matter how sad she was or how pissed off she got at him. It didn't matter. It was the right thing to do and if he never did one other thing right, by God he was going to do the right thing by her.

He pulled in the driveway of the little blue house on Cliff Street and tried to sound happy and upbeat as he announced, "We're here. My former home sweet home."

She stared blankly at the house but from somewhere she managed to pull out those manners she'd been taught long ago, she quietly said, "It looks very nice Merle."

He went right along with it, he damn sure wasn't going to ask her what was the matter, "It's been just fine for nearly 10 years, but I'm movin' on Baby. I'm leavin' day after tomorrow and I'll be on my way ta Clear Springs." There, she had to get the picture now. This was it.

He opened her door and helped her down, unlocked the front door and told her, "There's a lotta boxes around, I'm about packed up. The sofa's clear though and the beds are still made. Ya go on ahead and relax while I unload the pickup."

She didn't do what he said, instead she wandered around checking out the little home. When he came back in she got downright feisty with him, "I don't know why you think you have to leave town and move somewhere else. You said you had a good job and this is a real nice house. Just how much do you think you have to have to be happy Merle?"

Well fuck him, he hadn't seen that coming at all. He was in no mood to get into it with her though, he was too old and too smart for that. All he had to do was try and keep it chill until he took her to Carol's. "Well now Baby that's true, I had more'n enough right here and I's real satisfied with it all. I surely did have a nice job and I liked it. It ain't about that. I want sumthin' different is all. Maybe not more, shit maybe it'll be a lot less, but it'll be my own."

Her arms were crossed in front of her and as tough as she was trying to sound he could swear he saw her chin quiver when she said, "Well I'm sure you'll do just fine and you'll have a really nice life and all. I'm going to do just fine too. I'm going to go stay with this Carol person and I'm going to do really good. I guess you won't know though because I'll never see you again."

Well fuck it all to hell, Baby was on fire and she aimed to burn his ass up. He still wasn't giving into it though. "That ain't true. I'ma be checkin' in with her and see how you're doin'."

"Why would you check with her to find out how I'm doin'? Don't you think I can answer for myself?"

Now that chin of hers really started to quiver and she hurriedly turned away from him saying, "I have to use the bathroom," her voice was shaking as badly as her chin while she practically ran that way.

Fuck it, he caved, not completely but more than he wanted to. He stood there looking like the big dumb idiot he felt like and waited for her to come out of the bathroom. What the hell else could he do but try to reassure her that everything was going to be just swell?

She sat herself down on the side of the tub and she had a good cry for about five minutes. Then she got after herself. She had no right to be so ornery with him. He'd treated her like she was special and now because she didn't get things her way she was being a brat to him. That wasn't right. She wasn't going to be like that with him anymore. If she could help it.

He couldn't seem to stop himself. He hadn't figured out just exactly what it was yet, but this woman had some kind of power over him. As soon as she came out of the bathroom he went right over to her. He was careful when he set his hands on her shoulders, he knew how bad those bruises hurt, he'd been in that place. "Now c'mon Baby, I know you're mad at me but I promise it's the right thing. Ya don't see that yet but ya will."

She didn't respond to his touch or look him in the eye, she just looked down and murmured, "I'm sure you're right Merle. I'm sorry if I was mean."

Well fuck, he'd rather have her burning him up than sounding so sad. He told himself he just had to make it through a few more hours. Carol would get home from work, he'd take Baby over there, stay only as long as was absolutely necessary then he'd wish her good luck, slip Carol some cash and he was back to living his happily uncomplicated life. Yep, just that simple.

In the meantime he still had some things in the kitchen that needed packing up. She didn't follow him in there and he didn't ask. He hoped she'd sat down, or maybe went in the bedroom to take a nap. She needed her rest.

He was busy getting after his packing when she walked in the room and in a soft little voice announced, "I'll help."

"Nah Baby ya just relax now, I got this."

"I'm pretty sick of relaxing, that's all you let me do. If I'm going to strike out in some new life I can't just be sitting around all the damn time." She just couldn't seem to help putting that edge in her voice. Her feelings were hurt.

He liked it. Baby had a little fire in her belly and she wasn't timid about speaking her mind. At least not to him. He was sure she'd been quiet as a mouse with that asshole who beat her. He knew how that shit went. Merle was kind of scratching his head though, he was a little surprised at how happy it made him to know she wasn't scared of him.

"I think you're 100% right Baby. Ya gotta stay busy ta stay strong. I'll tell ya what, how bout you pack up them dishes and I'll get the pots and pans and this other?"

"Okay." She told herself that at least she'd be busy and it should make the time pass more quickly. She didn't want to go stay with that woman but she just kept trying to remind herself how lucky she was someone was willing to take her in. It was just that she didn't want Merle to leave her. She still wasn't sure exactly why, she only knew she wanted to stay with him.

His packing supplies were topnotch. These weren't boxes from behind the grocery store, they were real packing boxes and brand new. There was bubble wrap for the dishes and a big role of packing tape. Everything was neatly stacked on the kitchen counter and table, ready to pack. He was so organized, just like he'd been in the motel.

They went about their tasks quietly, not speaking, just stealing glances at each other and both thinking they were pretty damn sneaky about it. Each was sure the other didn't see, didn't notice. But they both noticed and they both wondered why they were so curious about the other.

She finally asked, "So what is there that's fun to do here in Peachtree? You know, if I get a job and have a little money then maybe I can have some fun."

"Well Baby I'm afraid my idea of fun and yours probably ain't the same thing. As far as goin' out in an evenin' I might go to a steakhouse and have myself a nice meal, Johnny's is the name of the joint I like. Or I might go to a small bar I know, it ain't hep or nuthin', more like an old-style lounge, it's called Red's. But what I like better'n any a that is gettin' out in the country, pitchin' a tent and doin' some hikin' or fishin', maybe a little huntin' when it's deer season. That's another reason I'm lookin' forward ta Clear Springs, plenty of country all around and I plan ta enjoy it." Oh fuck, he probably shouldn't be talking about how much he was going to enjoy it.

"That sounds really nice for you. I love camping and I'm pretty good at catching a fish, but I haven't gone in a real long time. I always liked cooking outside best, the food tastes so much better when you're sitting around a campfire eating it."

Well the fuck, he didn't expect that. She didn't look like the outdoor type but he couldn't help thinking she'd make a mighty fine tent-mate. Shit! He had to quit thinking like that. He for sure didn't need that complication in his life and neither did she.

He changed the subject, "So what else do ya like ta do Baby, besides campin' and fishin'?"

She shrugged a little and her smile had turned a little shy, "I like to write songs and stories and I like to sing. I sing."

"You're a singer huh? Let's hear some a that." It seemed like nice and safe neutral territory. Just a little singing. That's what he thought, until he heard her. She started right off with a Tom Waits tune, a favorite of his, "Hold On." He didn't even realize he'd stopped working, he just stood mesmerized while he watched and listened. When she finished she smiled that pretty smile and he felt something, something in his heart and he tried to freeze it out. It was a stubborn little flame though and as hard as he tried denying it to himself, it wouldn't be extinguished.

With her singing them through it and him busy fighting his feelings, what little was left of the packing went quickly. It wouldn't be long now and he'd be taking her to Carol's. As soon as that ordeal was done he'd put that fire out for good, with a few beers and a gal he knew named Loretta over at Red's.

"It's damn near four o'clock Baby and we ain't eaten since breakfast. I don't know about you but I'm hungry as a bear in spring. We sure ain't doin' any cookin' around here, lemme take ya out for a nice dinner over there at Johnny's, whaddya say?"

"Alright, thank you Merle. I just want to take some time to clean up and stuff though, is that okay?"

"Yeah, yeah sure ya go on ahead. Lemme get the case."

He carried her things in the bathroom and as soon as she shut the door behind him she sat herself down on the edge of the tub again, burying her face in her hands. This was it. He was going to take her to the last supper.

She let a few tears fall but she knew she had to get it together, she had to be brave. She had to act like she thought it was good because she knew she owed him that. So she took a little bird bath there in the bathroom sink, washing her face and under her arms and such. Put on some lotion and got herself dressed in clean clothes. She fought her hair but not for long or very seriously. What did it matter anyway? She finally said the heck with it and just put it up in a ponytail.

He nearly fell over when she came walking out of the bathroom all fresh-faced and looking downright pitiful. It wasn't just the sadness in her eyes and all across her face, it was the clothes she was wearing. The big bulky sweater looked three sizes too big and it had to be 85 degrees outside. He walked that particular thought by her on eggshells, "Ya look real pretty Baby, real pretty, but don't ya think the sweater might be a little too warm?"

"It's all I have left that's clean and will cover the…well you know."

"Well fuck that shit Baby. Ya go put on sumthin' comfortable that ya like. Ya got nuthin' ta be ashamed of, ya ain't done one thing wrong. The only person that should be ashamed is the little prick who done that to ya. Pardon my French."

"Um okay, if you're sure you won't be embarrassed. This is kind of hot and scratchy."

"I'm damn sure. I could never be embarrassed ta be seen with ya Baby." Fuck, why did he just say that? Shit. He needed to learn to shut the hell up.

She'd changed into something that definitely looked cooler and more comfortable, and she'd be a knock out whatever she wore. Dammit, he needed to knock that shit off.

"Lemme get your case for ya then we'll go have us some dinner."

He wished she looked happier, this would be so much easier if she did. Then an idea came to him he thought might help. When they were both in the pickup he told her, "I been thinkin' we should stop by the WalMart and get one a them disposable cell phone things, the pay as ya go deals. That way you could call me if ya needed anythin' and I could call and check in with ya ta see how you're doin'."

Things immediately changed for the better, she actually looked kind of happy. "Really? I can call you and stuff? I would feel a lot better if I could. Thank you Merle."

He was such a dumb son of a bitch that he reached over, squeezed her hand and said, "Sure thing Baby, ya know I want ya ta be happy." Fuck him, he was a mixed message sending dickhead.

They went to the WalMart and he got her a phone that was basic but it would be enough, she could call and send texts. He put the number in his cell, sent her his number and triumphantly said, "See there? We're set, all set."

Dinner wasn't as terrible as he thought it was going to be before he came up with the phone idea. Not that it was nice or that there was pleasant conversation. It wasn't and there wasn't. It just wasn't awful. Like the drive that morning it was mostly in silence and Baby had barely eaten a thing. He didn't push her though. He didn't mention she should try to eat a little more. He knew she didn't want to hear it from him.

On the drive to Carol's he kept telling himself just what he'd been telling himself all along, it was the right thing. But just because it was didn't mean it felt right. Before he pulled in Carol's driveway he reached over and took her hand. "I promise it'll all be okay Baby, you're gonna be happy, you'll see."

"If you say so Merle."

Fuck a duck if she wasn't guilt tripping him. He knew it, she knew it and dammit, it was working. Still he was going to try and act like everything was going just swell. Baby didn't wait for him to open her door; she just hopped right out and gave him what felt like a defiant look, "I need to learn to take care of myself, not count on some damn man to do things for me."

Well touché and fuck me twice he thought, but yeah, he got it. "Alright then Baby, we're doin' things your way."

"I doubt that."

Shut the fuck up ya big dumb bastard, that's what he told himself as he carried her case and they walked to Carol's door. He reached to push the doorbell and Beth felt her tummy clench, it was happening.

The woman who answered the door did look real nice, she had a pretty smile and eyes that sparkled when she said, "Welcome, you must be Beth. I'm happy to meet you. My name's Carol."

"Hello Carol. It's nice to meet you and thank you for having me." She may be sad and blue but she'd been raised to use her manners.

Merle had to keep himself from exhaling a big sigh of relief. "So where's Sofia?"

Carol was still smiling as she shook her head, "Teenagers. She's 14 now you know. She's in her room playing on her phone and I probably don't want to know what she and her friends are chatting about. Beth, let me show you your room."

Before he could pick up the case Beth grabbed it, "I've got this, like I said before, I don't need a man doing for me." She followed Carol and she didn't even turn around when she said, "Goodbye Merle, thanks for everything."

Fucking fine then, he didn't care if she was pissed. The weight of the damn world had been lifted off his shoulders and he was back to living a happy and uncomplicated life. Trouble was, he didn't know what this feeling was he was having, he just knew he didn't like it one bit. It felt like a lead weight was on his chest and he felt kind of like he might be sad. Fuck, that was just bullshit.

Carol came back out and rubbed a hand along his arm, "Don't worry Merle she's going to be alright. It's just going to take time."

"Yeah, uh huh. Well thanks a bunch Carol. I gotta split, lots ta do before I go." He took the cash out of his pocket and handed it to her, "This oughta last a month or so. Lemme know if ya need more. Whatever she needs or wants, I got it covered."

"Sure Merle, you be safe and don't worry about us."

It might still be 80 plus degrees out, but he could swear he felt a chill as he walked to the pickup. Just before he climbed in he heard her call to him, "Merle wait." He felt both happiness and dread. He hadn't wanted that kind of goodbye with her, but he also didn't want her to beg him to take her with him. He wasn't sure anymore that he'd be able to say no.

"I'm sorry, I was a brat again. I want to say a real goodbye." On that she wrapped her arms around his waist and laid her head on his chest. What could he do? He had to wrap her in his arms, lean down and kiss the top of her head and tell her, "You're always sweet Baby. I'll call ya in a couple a days. It's all gonna work out."

She tried to sound so brave when she said, "Okay. Thank you again. Goodbye Merle." But shit, he heard the cry in her voice and then he watched as she walked away from him. Why the fuck did this hurt? He didn't know but he thought he had the cure.

He drove straight to Red's stood up at the bar and ordered himself a shot of jack with a beer back. He took a swallow of the beer and glanced around. There she was, Loretta. He smiled that big wide grin at her and she eased out of her chair and walked right over to him.

Loretta has what they call an ample figure and she wasn't afraid to rub that figure up on him as she purred, "Well hey there Merle, it's been awhile, you musta been workin' outta town."

He laid an arm across her shoulders and he tried real hard to go there, "Yeah I been workin' a job but I'm back tonight. I thought maybe ya might let me buy ya a couple drinks, maybe we get a bottle and go back ta your place."

He squeezed her butt cheek and she smiled and let out a, "mmm, sounds like it could be a good evenin'."

And fuck his fucking gotdamn screwed up head. He couldn't do it. He tried to cover though, no use in hurting Loretta's feelings, she was a good gal. "Ah shit if I didn't just remember I gotta get over ta Smithon right quick, I'm s'posed ta give little brother a ride. Here, lemme order ya a drink 'fore I go."

"Awe darn I was lookin' forward ta showin' you a little sumthin' new."

"Well shit, but next time. Next time." He motioned the bartender, ordered her drink and gave the guy another twenty. "Get her a couple more when this one goes dry." He wasn't too worried about Loretta being lonely, he knew there were plenty of guys in there who appreciated her hospitable nature.

He hurried out to the pickup, hopped in and paused for a just a minute. This wasn't a good idea. This was wrong. Real wrong. But then what the fuck? He'd been doing the wrong thing his whole fucking life. Why the hell quit now?

He headed that way.

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A/N It appears the plan has blown up. Well, now what? Please leave a comment / review and let me know your thoughts. The chapter photo is posted on my tumblr pages gneebee and bethylmethbrick, please have a look. NOTE: Next Sunday is Easter and I'll be celebrating with family. Chapter Five will post Saturday morning :) Until then remember, I love ya large! xo gneebee