I'm watching Malcolm in the Middle while I write this, so I have NO IDEA if it'll get violent or not. XD

REVIEW RESPONSES:

PinkyKupkake: Thanks so much for all the reviewing! 8D LOL glad you're wanting to see more of Dill…and Nellie…people. LOL it all ties in ;D

Moveouttathewayitzh: Heya! LOL I don't care if you're a squealing fangirl or a regular fan; it's just nice to know you want more! And don't worry; more Cecil/Scout coming up shortly! ;D

Nightfellows98: Dill/Scout is on the way! Yes, with kissing n stuff ;D Hahahaha…and there IS a big fight. Because what's a romance story WITHOUT a fight over a girl, huh? LOL XD

DISCLAIMER: I don't own Harper Lee's characters! They're all her own, kk? :) I only own this plot, fic, Nellie Bellesen, Clarence Bellesen, Jamielee Zinctin, Raymond Henries, Mrs. Everson, and Mary Cinders. Thanks for reading, dudes! ;D

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Again, Thursdays…horrible. Why on earth aren't they Fridays? It's just a gutter ball in your weekend plans. What was weird, though, was the fact that Nellie was hiding something. It was something big, too. Would this have anything to do with what Atticus and Jem were talking about? I had no idea. But I'd find out. It wasn't until lunch that we began to talk to each other.

"I'm sorry about dinner the other day," she apologized. "I didn't think he'd act that way."

"Oh, it's a'right," I stated, pulling out my ham sandwich. "What'd you have to leave for?"

"Just…" she began, but sort of lost her train of thought, "he wanted to…make sure I did my homework."

I cocked a brow before shrugging it off. Nellie was up to something…I just didn't know what it was. I needed to figure it out, because, honestly, it was eating me alive. She was hiding something from me, Cecil was cut across the arm, we had a new bully, Jem was so stressed he couldn't think straight, and, on top of all of that, Dill was gone! All I had at that moment was Walter. He had to pull through. He just had to!

On a brighter note, I finished my letter to Dill. I sent it over to him yesterday. Now all I wanted was a reply. Could Dill please just reply soon? I really needed him. I couldn't go to Atticus with all of this swarming around in my mind, and Jem was too frazzled to focus. After the day was over, Jem got a head start home, and Cecil, Walter, Nellie and I walked toward Miss Rachel's house. I wanted to know when Dill would be back.

"Why're we goin' ta Miss Rachel's place, Scout?" Cecil asked, sort of scratching at his arm. I think he needed to change his bandages.

"I wanna know when Dill's comin' home," I stated as I backpedalled so I could watch him as we went.

"Why do ya care so much 'bout 'im, anyhow?" he retorted. "It ain't like ya'll are married er nothin'."

"We're gonna be," I challenged. "A promise is a promise, Cecil Jacobs!"

He sighed angrily as he confirmed, "I s'pose it is, huh?"

We made it there in no time. I knocked on Miss Rachel's door about two or three times before she came to open it up. She grinned when she saw us, which made me grin back. I introduced her to Nellie because, honestly, she'd never seen her before. I thought that was a bit weird.

"Well, come in!" she insisted. "Now, Cecil Jacobs, I heard a little Henries boy pulled a knife on ya! Is that why your arm's all wrapped up?"

"Yes'um," he nodded.

"I hope you feel better soon," she stated. "Now, what did you need, Scout?"

"Do ya know when Dill'll be back, ma'am? Any time before this summer if it's possible?" I inquired, my eyes probably begging.

"Well, now that I think of it," she began with a smirk, "his mother mailed me sayin' she 'n Dill might be comin' over for Christmastime. Will you be here then?"

"More than likely," I stated with absolute bliss, "Thanks, Miss Rachel!"

"You're quite welcome," she smiled.

TKAM

We walked Cecil and Walter to their houses, but I sensed Nellie not wanting to go home. I asked if she'd like to come over, which she agreed to, thanking me about a million times. I laughed as we went on. I don't honestly know why…but I did. She seemed like she needed a good laugh. We went back to my place, entered, and sat down with Jem and Atticus at the dinner table. We invited Cal to sit with us, as well.

"Hello, Nellie," Atticus greeted her with a soft expression.

"Hello," she replied with something of a forced, sad smile.

"How've ya been," Jem inquired carefully.

"Fine," she stated, forcing her smile up an inch. "Just fine."

"Ya sure," I asked, quirking a brow upward at her as I did.

"Mhm," she hummed along in response.

I kept my eye on that bump on her head. There was something about it that just…struck me. There had to be a reason she had been wearing tighter, longer clothes, and a reason behind that bump. Nobody spoke, creating an awkward silence.

"Nellie, did your father give you that bump," Atticus bluntly queried after several minutes.

Her head immediately jolted up. Her eyes grew wider and wider by the second. She shook her head from side to side, tears rimming her eyelids quickly and quietly. She shouted no several times before stopping. Then she looked at Atticus. Nobody in their right mind would lie to Atticus. She closed her eyes and squeezed out a few tears, letting her head hang.

"Yes," she shakily admitted, "yes, he did."

Cal gasped quietly before turning toward Atticus. He began to ask Nellie questions, ones she wouldn't want to ever answer, but she had to. Her mother had died when she was young, but her father blamed her for it. He began to drink large amounts at night, beat her, and act like nothing happened the next morning. First thing Atticus did was tell Nellie that nothing was her fault, then he asked her if she'd be willing to go against him in court.

"I don't think I could do…" she began, but then gained a bit of strength; her eyes changed. "I could."

TKAM

Nellie spent the night over at our place, sleeping in my bed as I took the couch. I looked straight at the ceiling the entire night, just thinking. Why would Nellie keep such a secret? She woke up in the middle of the night to get a glass of water. I walked into the kitchen, taking on a glass of water myself. We sat at the table and began a short conversation as silently as we could.

"Nellie," I sighed, "why didn't ya tell me your dad was hurtin' ya?"

She looked a bit glazed over; not from her mind clouding and reaching la-la-land, but from sadness and covering up lies. I stared at her hard, challenging her to answer me truthfully. I hated when people kept secrets from me. Dill kept a secret from me once about he and Jem going fishing every morning for a week without me. I finally caught him and punched him the stomach. He learned not keep secrets from me after that.

"Because," she exhaled sadly, "…look Scout, I was gonna tell ya the night ya'll invited us over for dinner. Then he started it up again and I got even more scared than usual. I don't know what happened. I was so ready to admit he'd been beatin' me, but then something just came over me!"—she began to hyperventilate—"We got home and he started tryna break my nose! His fingernails had at my skin"—she tugged her shirt collar down and showed me several scars—"and nipped it up! He kept punchin' 'n hittin' 'n kickin'! He wouldn't stop! Ever since Mama died, he started drinkin' and became abusive!"

I stared at her in disbelief. Why would anyone…anyone destroy their child? Nellie didn't deserve it; no one did. She stared at me, her breath coming out faster than before, her eyes filled with countless tears; so many of them had already broke out and flooded down her face into rivers that divided up her cheeks. I couldn't stop looking at her. I couldn't bring myself to respond or do anything. I was too shocked.

"Scout," she began, "say something."

"I…" I tried to start, but my voice broke.

I trembled myself as she went on and on about all the terrible things he'd done, her breath quickening each and every time she spoke. I strained to say something, but whenever I tried, I ended up failing. Lucky for me, Jem came into the kitchen for a midnight snack. As soon as he entered through the doorway, Nellie rushed into him for a hug. She needed so much comfort, but I couldn't provide it no matter how much I tried. I wasn't amazing at situations I didn't understand.

Jem looked down at the girl in awe before he looked up and across the room at me with a cocked brow. I shook my head and tried to get something out, but he understood. And Jem was great at helping in sticky situations. She allowed him to her back and let his fingers scroll down her hair. He shushed her, which calmed her down after a few moments of her sobbing it all out. I was surprised Atticus didn't wake up.

TKAM

Jem, Nellie and I walked to school the next morning a bit quieter than usual. I was still quite dazed at what Nellie had told me the night before. Jem comforted her every time she spazzed out about it, which wasn't news to me. He was the only one she felt safe around, anyway. Why not let him handle her when I couldn't stand it. Besides, I had other things on my mind.

"Hey Scout," I heard Cecil and Walter holler from a few pavement squares down as they rushed to me.

"Hey!" I yelled gleefully.

Finally, I could get away from the drama. They arrived at my side in less than ten seconds. I looked up at Jem to see if we could head off to school, which he nodded to. I told Nellie I'd meet her in the classroom, which she smiled and nodded at. The guys and I ran about a block ahead of them before we began talking.

"What's been up with Nellie?" Cecil queried as he flopped his bad arm around in an attempt to jab his thumb in Jem and Nellie's direction.

"Her dad's been beatin' her," I sighed sadly, "so she's stayin' with us. Jem seems to be the only one who can help 'er out with it all. I've been too shocked to do much."

"That's terrible," Walter confirmed with wide-eyes. "I thought 'er dad was great from the way she talked the first day."

"She was just tryna to get him seen by someone so she could get help without spillin' the beans," I affirmed. "It sounds weird, I know, but she's one of those people."

The guys and I looked back for what seemed like hours, but only took up about a minute or two. We all exhaled sadly and quietly as our trek to school came to an end. However, we came early. I groaned on account of I hated being there early. What made it worse was the fact that Raymond Henries was there.

I didn't very much like that kid, but Atticus told me to stay calm and nice in tough situations. I would just pretend he wasn't there. Walter followed suit, but Cecil, on the other hand, stared him down angrily as he held onto his arm. Raymond Henries took out his knife and Cecil showed him a rude finger. That made the kid angry, so he slowly approached Cecil, who began to do the same.

"Hey!" I hollered, jumping in front of Cecil in an attempt to stop him. "Nu uh! You ain't fightin' anyone, Cecil Jacobs!"

"Scout," he grunted in an effort to get past me, "move."

"No," I growled.

"What's the matter, Jacobs?" Raymond sniggered. "Can't get past a girl?"

"I could if I wanted to," he huffed in reply.

Luckily, Jem and Nellie showed up just as Cecil walked past me. My big brother approached Cecil and picked him up from behind, to which he struggled.

"Lemme go!" he yelled.

"No," Jem responded. "You already have a bad arm; ya want another?"

Cecil stopped short of struggling as Raymond Henries put his knife back in his pocket and waltzed into the classroom. Cecil watched him until he sat in his desk. I glared at the Jacobs boy and slapped him upside the head. Jem smirked, Nellie stifled a giggle, and Walter chuckled slightly. Cecil held the back of his head and howled in pain. He then looked at me angrily as he flapped his bad arm up and down. I had no idea what he was trying to say with that thing.

"What was that for?" he inquired angrily.

"What do ya think, ya yap?" I sneered. "Don't go getting' into fights, ya hear?"

He frowned at me as he went on to play tetherball. I sighed and shook my head at him. Walter watched the Jacobs child in confusion as Jamielee, Mary, and Little Chuck Little stalked up to us. Cecil played the game all on his own for several moments until Jem, Walter, and Little Chuck decided to join in.

"Dumb boys," I huffed in a whisper and crossed my arms, which made the girls giggle.

TKAM

(POV of Cecil Jacobs)

Walter was sent home early to go to work. His dad had plans to raise some money with something that would take the world by storm. I had no idea what that could be, but I guess I was all for it. The Cunninghams needed a bit of help to get by, anyway. Nellie and Jem were picked up by Atticus, but not Scout. I wondered what that was all about until it crossed my mind. "Her dad's been beatin' her, so she's stayin' with us. Jem seems to be the only one who can help 'er out with it all. I've been too shocked to do much." That was probably it.

I volunteered to walk her home after school, which she eagerly accepted. I can't say I wasn't happy about it, because it brought me quite a bit of joy. We walked along the sidewalk and just spoke with each other calmly. Scout was one of the few people I could actually do that with. My bad arm was flagging all over the place, which made her give off her signature Scout Finch Smirk.

"What's wrong with your arm," she queried, "it's never still!"

"I keep trying to move it, but it keeps doing what it wants; not what I want."

"Oh," she droned as she nodded.

We walked on until we saw the mailman at her house, which was three homes away. She beamed and dashed over to check it out. I reluctantly ran after her and caught up with her right as she accepted the mail she was given. She waved the mailman off as she opened the envelope addressed to her up. I saw her beam with each word her eyes scanned across. My own orbs rolled before I shook my head.

"He's such a sweetie," she melted as she hugged the letter to herself.

"No one is that roman'ic, Scout," I stated monotonously, deserving a scowl from her.

"Read fer yourself, Cecil Jacobs," she countered as she handed me the letter.

My eyes ran over the words dully.

Dear Scout,

I'm sorry everyone's been counting you out. I'd clue you in on anything I could if I were there. Heck, you're still clued in over here! It's nice to know that Walter's still there for you. And I hope Cecil'll be ok. What on earth could Jem and Atticus be hiding from you? It's not very Atticus-like to hide something from you. Just ask him, I'm sure he'll spill soon enough.

So, let me get this straight:

Cecil and Raymond Henries got in a fight about something you don't know, but it more than likely includes you or Walter.

Jem, Atticus, and Nellie are all clued in on something that you, also don't know about.

And I can't be there. I feel just terrible, Scout. I really do. But, hey, Mom says we're going to Maycomb for Christmas! Please tell me you'll be there and not at your aunt's!

With very much love,

Dill

I finished reading with a sad expression across my face. Was I really not cluing her in? Great; I was just sending her farther into Dill's arms. I sighed as I sat on the sidewalk, gesturing for her to sit next to me. She did as told and I handed her letter back to her. She folded it up and stuck it in her overall pocket.

"What did you want to know about?" I inquired as I looked at the sky.

"What were you and Raymond Henries fighting about?" she replied.

I looked at her with a twitched nose as I stated, "He called my friends a few names and I lost my temper."

She looked at me in disbelief.

"What?" I asked somewhat rudely.

"That all," she queried, to which I nodded. "Cecil Jacobs!"

She stood up straight and bored her eyes into mine.

"You got yer arm all cut up for nothin'!"

She whopped my good arm, scratched the top of my head and then walked to her house yelling "This ain't over, Cecil!" before slamming the door behind her. I huffed and walked home, not really wanting to put up with her.

TKAM

(POV of Scout Finch)

I waited until Cecil was a few blocks away to sneak back outside with a piece of paper, a book, and a pencil. I walked to the Radley porch and began to write my reply to Dill. I set the paper on top of the book, which was settled gently on my lap. A soft smile crossed my lips with each word I scribed.

Dear Dill,

I've just been clued in on the entire Nellie situation. Her father has been completely abusive and drunk for quite a while. Jem and Atticus are the only people she can talk to that have a response. I'm not too great in situations that I can't completely understand. So Nellie's going to be living with us until we can find her a foster family after court. Maybe Miss Stephanie could take her in.

Anyhow, Cecil Jacobs just told me what is probably half the story of why he did what he did. Apparently, Raymond Henries insulted either Walter or I (he didn't say which) and lost his temper. I honestly don't get anything that's really going on. I can never understand what Nellie's going through, Cecil's never telling me what goes on anymore…but everything should be normal again.

Anyways, I believe we're staying home for Christmas. I haven't been able to ask Atticus yet, but he hasn't talked about Aunt Alexandra for a while, so it's a safe bet that we're staying in Maycomb. I can't wait to see you!

Love,

Scout

I proofread my letter and stuck it neatly in my overall strap. Before I knew it, Boo Radley was sitting next to me. I looked at him with pure surprise covering my complexion. A smile crossed my lips slowly as I watched his face turn to me slowly.

"Hi Mr. Arthur," I said. "Sorry; do I need to get off yer porch?"

He shook his head silently and stared at me. I stared right back, but not rudely. I leaned back, exhaling calmly, and watched the clouds. He did the exact same. I giggled before looking back at him with a smile. He was funny.

"What're ya doin' out here?" I inquired gently, "I thought ya never left your house."

"Only sometimes," he said in a raspy, calm voice. I could tell he didn't speak much.

I nodded quietly before hugging my knees to my chest. I had so much on my mind and I needed someone in my presence to talk to. Would Mr. Arthur understand at all? It wasn't that Dill wouldn't be able to understand, it was just that I needed him right there to talk to.

"Mr. Arthur," I began, "can I ask you something?"

He nodded slowly.

"Well," I started up, "Dill Harris, Miss Rachel's nephew, went away a few days ago. And, ya know, we had that practice wedding a while back, remember?"

Again, he nodded. I offered an even bigger smile, however, it was an awfully sad one.

"Well, ever since 'e went back, one 'a my best friend, Cecil Jacobs, has been acting awfully odd. He beat up a bully at our school, who cut his arm terribly, for talkin' bad 'bout either me or Walter Cunningham. I don't know what made his temper suddenly go outta whack and he won't tell me why. Then my new friend, Nellie Bellesen, is stayin' at our house because her dad's abusin' her. I'm tryin' to help her out, but I just don't understand. I can't take all of it in at once. Ya know what I mean?"

He bobbed his head up and down slowly, but surely. I gave him a look that mixed of timidity, happiness and sadness. I looked back at the sky for a few seconds before return my stare to him.

"Anyhow," I continued, "what am I s'pposed ta do, Mr. Arthur? I'm only a fourth grader! Everything's just cuttin' at me, tryin' to wipe me outta the picture or somethin'. What am I to do?"

He smiled and looked at me with a face that I couldn't comprehend. After a few moments of deciphering his expression, I knew what he was telling me. I stood up slowly, gave him a ginormous hug and waved at him as I backpedaled to my own home. I entered the house, snuck an envelope, carefully wrote my address and copied Dill's down, licked a stamp to it, and stuck the letter in.

I walked back outside and stuck it in the mailbox before going back to the Radley house. Mr. Arthur was one I could talk to forever.

TKAM

(POV of Dill Harris)

FOUR DAYS LATER

"Charles," I heard Mom call, "you have a letter."

I rushed into the den and obtained my letter, waiting for Scout's response. I tore the envelope open and immediately read the letter she sent over. I sat at the kitchen table as my smile slowly became an angry frown. I couldn't believe it. Someone was trying to take away my Scout. She didn't know it, though. I always thought I could (sort of) trust Cecil. Now it all made sense. He wanted my fiancée. All I ever wanted was for Scout to be happy, and according to her, I always brought her that happiness she craved. What if somebody else did?

In all honesty, if Cecil Jacobs began to make her happy, then I would have no choice but to step back. I loved her too much to make her unhappy. Or even worse…take away that happiness. However, I wouldn't go down without a quick fight.

"That Cecil Jacobs…"

A/N: OOOOOOOOOOO. Looks like we gonna have a boi fight soon, ladies! ;D Who're you betting your money on? I have something of a plot in mind for who the winner will be and how this whole thing plays out, but I'm still working on it. 83

Now, I understand this has a bit of suspense in it…Tell me which question you'd like me to type up first. :3

What Boo told Scout (which is still pending in my mind, so…look out ^w^")?

What Dill's planning to do?

What the Cunningham invention will be?

WILL JEM AND NELLIE BE AN ITEM? D8 Possibly. XD idk yet.

When's the trial?

Will Cecil be ok?

LOL sorry kiddies, but you'll have to read to figure out all of these cliffies! ;D

TELL ME WHAT YOU WANT MORE OF! Or which question you'd like to come first :3

I love you guys!