First of all, I'd like to apologize for a huge hiatus. I've only sat my last exam on Friday (after the two months of torture!), and I literally spent this weekend sleeping off the stress, shopping and reading fanfiction aka catching up with everything I've missed while I was gone. I already have the next chapter planned and started, so it will be posted in a few days.
As always, great thanks to my beta for making this mess readable. Only good things come out of our little tandem! :)
This chapter is not necessarily heavy on Bethyl, but is very important in terms of the whole plot. The next one will have more bethyl encounters, I promise.
I hope you guys enjoy.
Beth tells herself to stay calm, not to panic, as she steps into the bedroom that suddenly doesn't feel like hers anymore. Her first thought is to turn around, run, and never look back because Maggie is bossy and possessive as it is, so God knows what she will do or say if… when she finds out who that jacket belongs to. Come to think of it, Maggie's always been like that. She always felt the need to tell Beth what to do, even when it came to small things, such as forcing her to wear a scarf when it's windy or Beth's nail polish being too bright for school. But things have been changing lately. Maggie's been supporting Beth, told her she likes her being happy, and even covered for her so that she could go to Lexi-Marie's party.
That's why Beth stays where she is, even though it's really hard not to squirm under her sister's scrutinizing gaze. This thing going on between her and Daryl, she doesn't want it to be some sort of big secret. She doesn't want Daryl to think she's ashamed of feeling something for him – because she isn't and she never would be. If people in this town don't see how wonderful he really is, it's their fault, not Daryl's. And she wants to share things with her sister because she hasn't got a lot of family left, and those she has she loves more than anything. She wants to tell Maggie how great Daryl is, how happy and good he makes her feel, and how he is nothing like what people think he is.
So she steps closer to the bed and lowers herself onto the mattress, listening to the springs creak slightly under her weight. She skims the fluffy comforter with her hand, as if trying to hold onto something to gather the last remainders of courage within her. It's quite ridiculous, actually. She shouldn't be afraid of her own sister.
"Please, don't freak out," Beth says quietly, but firmly, and Maggie shoots her a glare.
"Oh, I'm so past freaking out now," she states, folding her arms and staring Beth down.
"I can explain," she raises her hands, as if Maggie is some sort of skittish animal that needs to be tiptoed around.
"Feel free to start explaining."
Beth peers into the carpet, trying not to feel intimidated. Maggie's her sister, it's not like she's some kind of tyrant that is interested in making her life miserable. Even if sometimes it feels like it. Beth immediately scolds herself for such thoughts. Maggie does these things out of love.
"Alright." Beth shuffles in her seat a little, simultaneously taking a deep breath to concentrate and stay calm. "There is this guy. We met after my graduation. Not that we didn't know each other before," she corrects herself, but Maggie watches her silently, so Beth continues: "We'd never spoken to each other before, you could say that. And he's just… he's just amazing, Maggie. We always have something to talk about, he understands me – at least that's what it feels like – and I like him so, so much." Beth goes quiet, not sure about Maggie's reaction. She seems concentrated, and it's like she's really listening – something she hasn't been doing a lot since after mom and Shawn died. That part of Beth that always has some hope makes her think that maybe it's going to be fine. Maybe Maggie won't make a scandal out of this.
"Is that why you've been so happy lately?" Maggie asks, and her eyes seem to soften. At the sight of that, Beth wants to sigh with relief, but stops herself before giving Maggie more reasons to be pissed off.
"Partly," Beth nods, but her sister is obviously not satisfied with her answer because she raises an eyebrow. "Well, you know, it's a lot of things. I've gotten better with Lexi, and Jimmy's girlfriend is actually pretty nice, and then there's… him," she stops herself from saying his name.
Maggie sighs. "Do I know him?"
Beth looks down at her hands. "Well, you certainly know of him," she mumbles. "It's a small town, after all," she gives her sister a nervous smile.
Maggie sighs again, but doesn't say anything, simply looking at Beth carefully for a few moments.
"Would it really be the worst thing in the world?" Beth suddenly asks. "If I met someone who would be important to me?"
An expression of guilt washes over Maggie's face. "It's not that, Bethy."
"Well, what is it, then?" Beth folds her arms, getting annoyed herself. "Because you sure make it too big of a deal, and honestly, it's getting ridiculous."
"It's the sneaking around that I'm not okay with!" Maggie exclaims and picks up the jacket, shaking it in the air. "Dating a biker? Seriously? Can you imagine what daddy's going to say?"
"He's not a biker!" Beth says forcefully and frowns. "He has a bike, that's all. But he's not part of some sort of bikers' club or anything."
Maggie relaxes a bit at those words. "Alright," she huffs. "But you don't need to hide anything from me."
"No, you don't understand, do you? This," she gestures between the both of them, "is exactly why I hide things from you. You try to act like my mom and always overreact."
"That's not true," Maggie tries to argue, but Beth rises an eyebrow sarcastically, and she sighs. "Maybe a little."
"A little?" Beth throws her hands in the air in exasperation. "You almost strangled me with your control after… everything," she finishes in a lowered tone, suddenly uncomfortable again and having lost all of her enthusiasm.
"You're exaggerating."
"Am I, Maggie? Think about it. Weren't you the one who said I needed some time at home after mom died? Didn't you say I should concentrate on studies and stop caring what others think about me? I've never felt more alone than in the last two years." Beth realizes she might be harsh, but she feels like this is something she should've said a long time ago. She's tired being that quiet perfect little girl, she wants to be able to speak up and know that her opinion will be respected.
Maggie's face changes again, and Beth almost feels victorious. It's like she's gotten through to her. For the first time in years.
"I'm sorry," Maggie says quietly. "And I promise not to push you anymore," Beth gives her a questioning look, and Maggie smiles, "at least not as much. But please, Beth. Don't hide things from me. We've always shared everything, and I hate it when there are secrets between us. Alright?"
Beth smiles softly. They used to be truly best friends before their family tragedy. Beth suddenly finds herself remembering those evenings they spent in the kitchen together, with hot chocolate and fresh school gossip. She really misses that and that doesn't surprise her. No matter how pissed off she might be, Maggie is one of the most important people in her life. That's not something you can just throw away. Or even want to risk.
"Alright," Beth smiles and gives her a nod. Maggie squeaks with happiness, and suddenly jumps towards Beth, hugging her tightly. In her sister's arms, Beth lets out a deep sigh and relaxes. She can go to parties with Lexi-Marie all she wants, but nothing can be as important her and Maggie's friendship. Beth just seemed to have forgotten that lately.
Their relationship has always been like this. They'd argue, slam their doors at each other, and then move and speak an hour later, like nothing happened. They didn't use to apologise, but this time Beth is happy Maggie did. It means a lot, and Beth hopes Maggie knows that.
When they part, Beth frowns jokingly: "You won't tell anyone, right? Everything's is just starting out, and I don't want things to blow up just because people can't stay out of our business."
Maggie nods and salutes her with a smile: "That's a promise."
"And don't tell daddy," Beth says and bites her lip.
"Beth!" Maggie exclaims.
"I'll tell him, I promise. I just need to wait until things are certain and actually find an appropriate moment," she does her best to put on her begging expression to help her convince Maggie. Or at least guilt trip her into it.
Maggie eyes her suspiciously for a moment, but nods hesitantly. "I guess. It's not my place to say anyway."
"Since when does that stop you?" Beth giggles.
"Are you testing my patience?" Maggie nudges her with an elbow.
"Maybe just a little."
"Alright," Maggie gets up and hands Beth Daryl's jacket. "This is yours. Sort of," she corrects herself, and Beth giggles again. She almost walks out of the door, but stops and turns to look at Beth again. "Are you going to tell me who he is?"
"I'll think about it," Beth replies with a grin, and Maggie smiles in return. "Don't tell daddy!" Beth shouts to her as Maggie leaves her room, as a reminder. When Maggie shuts the door, Beth falls back, bouncing on the mattress.
Beth spends the next hour reading. Well, at least trying to, because she can't seem to concentrate, reading and re-reading the same lines time after time, none of it actually staying in her head. All because she can't stop thinking about Daryl. When will he text? Tonight? Or, maybe, tomorrow? Surely, he wouldn't be texting right away, he wouldn't want to seem desperate. Is it desperate of her to think so much about his text? Especially one that hasn't even arrived yet? And if (no, when) he does text, how soon should she reply? Should she wait a few minutes, playing hard to get? Do guys like girls that are busy and takes ages to respond? Would Daryl like someone like that?
Beth shakes her head, realizing how silly it is to torture herself with all these thoughts, and gives up on reading. She leaves the book on her nightstand and decides to go downstairs for a glass of water.
Daddy is already at home, and he is sitting at the table in the kitchen, filling out some bills.
"Hi, daddy."
"Evening, Bethy," he replies, only lifting his head to give her a small smile and immediately returning to his papers.
Beth walks up to the sink, where Maggie is mixing some batter in a large bowl. Beth gets herself a glass of water and looks at Maggie.
"What's that for?" she asks.
"It's Glenn's birthday tomorrow," Maggie raises her eyebrows incredulously. "Can't believe you forgot about it."
"Right," Beth nods. "I haven't forgotten, I just…"
"Did you also forget about the dinner?" Maggie gives Beth the kind of "no bullshit" look. "Tomorrow? At the restaurant?"
"Right," repeats Beth stupidly, wondering how she could forget all of this. That's not like her at all. "At Outback Steakhouse?" she makes an educated guess, since it's the only big-chain restaurant in Senoia, and Glenn's birthday dinner definitely wouldn't be held at the local diner.
"Yes, seven o'clock," Maggie rolls her eyes, obviously not buying Beth "remembering" it. "Glenn's sisters will be there too, so make sure you're not late. That applies to you too, daddy," Maggie turns her head to look at Hershel, and he simply nods.
Beth finishes her glass of water and sets it next to the sink. She turns, leaning against the counter and folding her hands as she watches Maggie mix the cake batter with such force and precision that her wrist must be hurting.
"What kind of cake are you making?" she asks curiously.
"Chocolate, strawberry and caramel," Maggie responds, almost groaning from the effort of mixing all the ingredients together.
"Sounds… like diabetes," Beth says, and is rewarded with Maggie's angry stare. She giggles, "No, I'm joking, it sounds great," she keeps watching her sister struggle; the ingredients don't seem to blend well. "Have you tried using a food processor?" she asks.
"We have one?" Maggie raises her eyebrows in shock.
Beth giggles again; no wonder Maggie doesn't know, it's probably her first time baking something. "Yeah, it's in the cupboard."
Maggie looks around, obviously lost as to which specific cupboard she means, and Beth rolls her eyes. "Never mind."
She gets a chair and stands on it to reach the top cupboard. She fishes out a large white food processor that has been gathering dust ever since… well, since their mom died.
"Here you go," she sets it on the table in front of Maggie and watches as Maggie struggles to find the right setting and splashes some batter on the table.
When Beth giggles again, daddy, all the while sitting at the table and working on the bills silently, lifts his head. "You're in a good mood, Bethy," he comments.
Beth smiles. "Yes, it's all good," she surprises everyone and even herself with those words. She didn't think she'd ever say or even think something like that again.
Daddy seems to want to comment, but he doesn't get the chance – Beth's phone buzzes in her back pocket, and she instantly grabs it, her first thought that maybe it's Daryl. But it's not, it's from Lexi-Marie. Are you up for another party?
Beth shakes her head and drops her phone onto the counter with a little extra force, annoyed with herself for being so stupid and desperate. She lifts her head and realizes everyone's staring at her: Maggie rolls her eyes with exasperation, as if telling Beth that she's being ridiculously obvious. Daddy looks at her with sudden interest and concern.
"Are you alright, Bethy?" he asks, putting his pen down.
"Yeah, I'm fine, daddy," she responds, but he keeps looking at her, obviously waiting for further explanations. "I'm waiting for an important… email, and this one was just a Facebook notification. I got annoyed," she explains, feeling terrible about lying to her father. But just the thought of telling him about Daryl fills her with genuine terror. She'll tell him, one day. If Daryl ever texts…
Her phone buzzes again, and Beth takes it slower this time, trying to stay calm as she grows excited. Again, it's Lexi-Marie, now on Snapchat. Beth opens the app and Lexi-Marie's snap, and looks at the picture of her in the middle of doing her makeup with a pout on her face. Why are you ignoring me?
Beth sighs. Lexi is one of those people who don't wait a second to respond. She once even said to Beth, "I have my phone in my hand 24/7. If I'm not responding, I'm probably ignoring you." Beth only laughed and said that not everyone was like that, but Lexi gave her a look and told her to wake up and realize she lived in the twenty-first century.
"It's Lexi-Marie. I'll talk to her from the living room," she announces and exits the kitchen, leaving Maggie to her cake and daddy with his bills.
Lexi-Marie picks up straight away. "Hi! Why did you ignore my text?" she asks in whiny tone, but Beth knows she isn't serious.
"Another party? Seriously?" Beth says, plopping onto the sofa. "No offence, but I didn't exactly find your party that fun to want to repeat it."
"First of all, how dare you?" Lexi-Marie huffs out a breath, and Beth giggles. "And secondly, this one isn't mine. It's Jenny's."
"Jenny's as in Jenny Grey?" Beth abruptly changes her sitting position from relaxed to straight. "The one who hated me all through high school? And you too, by the way?"
"Yeah, she isn't that great of a person, but she always has the best parties. With chocolate fountains and chairs draped with glittery fabric. Like Blair Waldorf kind of parties," she pauses for a second. "Ew. This foundation ain't worth a crap."
"Blair Waldorf wouldn't have glittery chairs…" Beth tries to argue, ignoring her latter comment. She is suddenly struck with a memory of them both spending Saturday afternoons binge-watching Gossip Girl. Lexi-Marie always loved the show, Beth found it a little… overly-sophisticated.
"That's not the point," Lexi-Marie cuts her off. From the sounds in the background, Beth can tell she is going through the drawers of her dressing table.
"How did you get invited anyway?"
"Melissa got invited and told me to come. But you'll be my plus one because you know I hate Melissa."
"So you hate Jenny and Melissa. Why do you want to go, exactly?"
"Don't be so judgmental ," Lexi-Marie sighs. "It's not my fault Melissa always had a crush on John. Proves she has no taste. Who could like my idiot of a brother anyway?" she adds quietly, and Beth rolls her eyes. Lexi never had a healthy relationship with her family. "But it's going to be a cool party, so, please, can we go?"
Beth sighs. "What's in it for me?"
Lexi-Marie giggles. "I know you hate parties, but I'll drive you there and my brother will pick us up afterwards, and it'll be a great night, I promise. We'll have fun without getting too drunk. It's our last summer before college, we should have as much fun as possible. Please, please!" she says everything so quickly Beth wonders how she can breathe in between the words.
"Wait, John's in town?" Beth asks in confusion. "I thought he had decided to avoid this place for the rest of his life."
"Yeah, but it's our aunt and uncle's wedding anniversary this weekend so there'll be this massive family gathering, and mom said if he didn't come back, she would stop sending him money. You know she's so concerned with everyone thinking we have a perfect ass family." Beth can almost hear Lexi-Marie making a face. The one she always makes when she talks about her brother or her mom.
"Alright, but why would he agree to pick us up after a party?"
"You ask too many questions."
"You still haven't answered my question."
Lexi-Marie lets out a heavy sigh. "I had to blackmail him into covering for me with mom for tonight, so I thought I might as well not waste such an opportunity and take as much as I can."
"You're a devil," Beth states, narrowing her eyes.
Lexi giggles with delight. "I know. Now, can we go to this party? Please."
Beth rolls her eyes, even though Lexi-Marie can't see her. "Fine."
"Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!"
"I have nothing to wear though…" Beth cuts in.
"Yeah, it's meant to be pretty dressy," she pauses, thinking. "Okay. Come over to my house right now. The witch won't be home 'till later, so don't worry about that. We'll get ready together, and I'll find you something to wear," Beth is about to protest, but Lexi-Marie won't let her. "I'll pick you up in fifteen minutes, be ready."
With that, she hangs up, and Beth is left sitting on the sofa, trying to figure out a plan. She picks up her phone again. She'll need Maggie's help.
Thank you so much for reading. Make sure you check out the full size cover to LWD. It's on my tumblr - lovewhomyouwill.
P.S. I didn't want to make Maggie an obstacle to Beth and Daryl's relationship, simply because I don't believe that her character would anything like that, ever. From what I've seen on the show, Maggie might be bossy, but she values Beth and trusts her judgement. But I don't know. Tell me what you think.