Chapter Eleven
Daryl left Carol to her own devices as he followed the SW&G technician to the rear of the cabin to show him where the meter was. She lugged her backpack and messenger bag into his bedroom, wanting to take advantage of the new bed, and climbed on to boot up her computer. She hadn't been impressed with the assignments given for their last two classes, but they should be done easily without leaving them feeling exhausted when they were done. Besides, she really wanted to give her English essay one more read-through before she printed and turned it in Wednesday morning.
He groaned as he came into the bedroom – wearily rubbing the back of his neck – and saw her books spread over the foot of the bed. "Gawd, woman! I thought we were gonna take a nap."
Carol smiled indulgently as he flopped face first onto the mattress and burrowed into his pillow. "You are going to nap, but I am going to get this done so I don't have to do it later. I still have to work that shift at Sweet Dreams and tutor Rick."
"When did shit get so complicated? Just yesterday we were sittin' in th' fam'ly room at your house after school, watchin' cartoons and eatin' cookies," he mumbled, his eyes already closed.
"We grew up, Daryl," she murmured softly, her fingers carding through his hair at his temple. "Now, rest. You can do your homework after your shift at the clinic." She doubted he had even heard her. She knew he would doze at the most, uncomfortable having a stranger in his home, but she could handle signing off on the service order.
Carol shook her head at the worksheets spread before her, deciding to tackle them now that she'd finished the final edit on her essay. Sometimes, she wondered if her teachers ever grew tired of teaching. The assignments weren't the least bit challenging, a single sheet on cell division for Biology II and their usual Monday vocabulary list and essay questions on the material they'd be covering that week for English IV. The worksheets took her no more than twenty minutes even with comparing her answers for Biology against her text book. She'd just finished packing away her books when a rap came at the open front door.
"Excuse me, Mr. Dixon?" the technician – Daniel – called as he stepped inside, looking for Daryl.
Carol set her bags on the sofa as she came into the living room, smiling at the man. "He's napping. Is there something I can help you with?" she asked pleasantly.
Daniel nodded, returning her smile. "Yes, ma'am. I just need to check the connections to your stove, and hot water heater, fire up the pilot lights, and you'll be all set."
"Oh, of course, just follow me." She led him first to the kitchen and watched him get to work, his muscles straining as he pulled the heavy stove forward so he could get behind it. Carol wracked her brain, trying to remember if Daryl had shown her where the hot water heater was kept. She glanced at her watch, time slipping away from them. Daryl couldn't be late for his first day at the clinic. A relieved sigh escaped her as the tech finished and moved the stove back into place.
Light streamed in through the bathroom window, but she could clearly see the slender door in the far corner where the appliance was surely kept. She preceded Daniel into the room, her hand reaching for the little knob, and … as the door opened, something furry raced over her feet, heading towards the open door and out into the living room. Carol let out a shriek which could probably be heard in three counties. She nearly knocked the technician down in her haste to bolt from the bathroom, calling Daryl's name as she ran towards his bedroom.
Carol's piercing scream jolted up Daryl's spine, his eyes flying open and his heart thundering as he bounded from the bed, his bare feet pounding the wooden floor as he heard her crying his name. They collided as he ran into the living room, his arms lifting to wrap around her, but she wouldn't stand still long enough for him to touch her. Still babbling hysterically, she climbed up his back like a spider monkey, one knee hooking over his shoulder, the other wrapping fiercely about his waist, both arms wrapped around his head where he couldn't see what might have scared her. That technician had better not have accosted her. He'd hate to have to beat him senseless.
Her arms around his head were becoming painful, and he knew he'd have to find some way of calming her down. But she screamed again and pointed to a darkened corner. "Rat! Huge rat! Kill it, Daryl!"
"An' how am I s'posed t' do that when you're wrapped around me like a vine?" he asked in his softest tone as he reached up to tenderly stroke her arm.
"It ran out of the closet where the hot water heater is … and … and … Oh, my god! It ran over my feet when I opened the door!" She shifted her arms from around his head and planted one hand on either side of his face, turning him so she could meet his gaze, her own eyes wide with fear and panic. "It touched me, Daryl! Do something!"
Daniel was doing his best not to laugh at her. Instead, he turned to the corner where he'd gleaned movement and pulled a large wrench from his toolbelt, inching forward cautiously. He hated to see the girl in such a panic. It reminded him of his sister's fear of snakes. He changed direction and skirted around the sofa, disappearing into the kitchen as Dixon's girlfriend whimpered. Taking the trashcan and removing the bag, he tiptoed towards the corner and trapped the animal.
"Did he get it?" Carol asked, her voice muffled from where she'd buried her face against Daryl's neck.
"I think so. Might want t' stop chokin' me now, Car," Daryl said, somewhat amused. She still hadn't released him. He was beginning to wonder if she ever would.
Daniel flipped the trashcan over, the little beastie falling to the bottom as he stared over the rim … and promptly burst out laughing. "Um … ma'am … it's not a rat."
That got Daryl's attention as he felt Carol slide off his back, though she still remained behind him, her hands fisted in his shirt. "Yeah? What is it then?"
The tech brought the trashcan closer and let Daryl see for himself. "Raccoon. I think when she opened the door, she frightened the little guy. His nature, of course, drove him to escape the threat."
Carol groaned, pressing her blushing face between Daryl's shoulder blades. "I feel so stupid."
Daniel handed Daryl the trashcan and moved back towards the bathroom to finish his job. "Don't be so hard on yourself, ma'am. The lighting wasn't the best, and without a good look at it, I could see how you might have gotten … er … confused."
Carol straightened her shoulders, trying not to look as idiotic as she felt and disappeared into the bedroom, shutting the door behind her. It only took another ten minutes before Daniel's work was done while Daryl went outside to set the raccoon loose at the edge of the woods.
Coming back inside, Daryl signed his name to the service order and smiled sheepishly. "Thanks for comin' out today. It's gonna be nice t' have a hot shower." He handed the clipboard back. "Do I owe y' anythin' for th' pest removal?"
Daniel waved him off. "Naw … not that often I get to go on a service call this entertaining. Do you think your girlfriend is going to be alright?"
A lovely shade of red stained his neck as it rose into his face and settled into his ears. He rubbed a hand over his nape and quickly glanced towards his bedroom, hoping Carol hadn't heard the man. "Uh … Yeah I think so," he said, not contradicting the man. Actually, it felt really good to have someone call her that. "She's tough … normally. Never thought I'd see her freak out over a rodent."
Daniel shook Daryl's hand and told him to call the office if there were any problems before taking his leave. He knew one thing … he was going to inspect that closet to find out where the animal had gotten in. He wouldn't have something like this happen again to scare his girl. Yes, he wanted to have her in his arms, but not because of fear.
*.*.*
Daryl pulled the Triumph up next to the curb and killed the engine. A faint smile still lingered on his lips as he pulled his helmet off and rested it on the gas tank. Carol wasn't dealing well with what had happened at the cabin. Hell, she would barely look at him, her cheeks tinted with a permanent blush. She was adorable. He held out his hand to steady her as she dismounted, her face still rosy, but her eyes were hidden behind her dark glasses. He swung his leg over the bike and unstrapped her helmet, tucking her glasses inside before storing them in one of the saddlebags. She continued to avoid his gaze as he handed over her backpack and messenger bag.
"Carol … y' ok? Y' ain't said two words t' me since we left th' cabin," he fretted. "So, y' got scared. It ain't no reason not t' talk t' me."
Carol wanted to kick herself. She'd been fishing with Daryl and her dad a few times, not once squealing or shying away from the live bait they used or the fish itself. And how many times had she been hunting with Daryl, gutting and cleaning her own kills as he'd taught her? How could she have been such a wuss because of what she'd thought was a rat? She'd made a complete and utter fool of herself in front of the technician who'd been so helpful, but worst of all, she'd looked stupid and entirely too girly in front of Daryl.
She looked down, her gaze focused on her fidgeting hands as she stood there before him. He came closer, resting his hands over her to still them, calming her with his gentle concern. "I'm sorry, Daryl. I didn't mean to embarrass you … especially in front of a stranger," she blurted out, trying to make things better between them.
"Y' didn't do nothin' wrong, Carol," he insisted. "It was a natural reaction t' bein' scared."
Carol blanched, watching Rick pull around the corner with Lori next to him and Maggie and Glenn in the backseat. Her eyes narrowed, seeing the amusement behind Daryl's smoky blue gaze. She raised one lone index finger, poking him in the center of his chest. "Don't even think about it, Dixon. We will never speak of the … incident … again." Her tone gentled as he nodded in agreement, trusting him to keep his word. Relieved, she twisted her hand until she could twine her fingers with his. "Come on, and let me treat you to a cupcake and a soda before work. Get you all hyped up on sugar," she grinned.
"Cain't say no t' that," he agreed, following her through the front door of Sweet Dreams. She stopped to greet several of their regular customers as he moved off to sit at their table in the back-right corner of the shop. She tried to keep her comments to a minimum, knowing she didn't have much time before he'd have to leave for work. Hurrying behind the counter, she spoke a few words to Angela and Samantha – two of Francine's most responsible and hard-working employees - he couldn't hear before heading his way with a fountain Coke and an Almond Dream cupcake. He couldn't help but lick his lips in anticipation.
The cupcake consisted of white almond cake, topped with almond buttercream and garnished with crushed almonds. It was heavenly, and easily one of his favorites. Rick and his carpool piled through the door, stopping at the counter for their own drinks and treats before joining the pair in the back. Daryl was instantly wary of excited gleam in Maggie's clear green eyes. Something was clearly up and she was fit to burst with the need to tell her friends.
"Where were y'all sixth period? When everything went down, we looked for y'all, and couldn't find you anywhere," she gushed, looking a bit put out.
"They finally came out t' th' cabin t' hook up th' gas," Daryl provided, more interested in why they were freaking out.
Lori giggled madly as she dug into her red velvet cupcake with the tiny plastic pastry fork and fed it to Rick. "Oh, Carol, you're going to love this!"
Carol's eyes narrowed on Rick where he sat across from her. "I thought you had practice this afternoon."
"Cancelled," he mumbled, taking a huge bite of his orange delight cupcake. The six of them would spend every afternoon at the bakery, chomping down on Francine's delicacies if they didn't know they'd gain a hundred pounds.
Daryl noticed Carol hadn't gotten one for herself and pushed the confection between them, offering her a bite. His piercing gaze landed on Maggie, clearly suspicious. "C'mon, Mags, spill."
She cackled evilly and caught the straw of her Diet Coke between her teeth. "Ed Peletier and Philip Blake were expelled this afternoon."
Carol's eyes widened exponentially, the cupcake forgotten. "Expelled?" she gasped. "Mr. Hovarth isn't one to rush forward with expulsion. It must've been really serious." She looked at them each in turn. Maggie and Lori seemed to be giddy with glee over this turn of events, but Rick, Glenn and especially Daryl looked as if they were ready to commit murder. Peletier was not well liked – even by his friends – and he'd pissed them all of at one time or another as Ed had made a pass at their girls. They'd be thrilled to see the boy kicked out of school.
Lori took a sip of her drink and leaned forward, resting her elbows on the table. "Fifth period, is when there are no P.E. classes. You know the dance team takes advantage of the empty gym on Monday and Friday."
Maggie leaned in too, her voice just as discreet. "There's a plumbing access corridor behind the showers, both in the girl's and boy's locker room … right behind the showers."
Daryl's hands trembled with rage where they sat upon the table, his face blood red as he listened to the girls' explanation. Carol reached over and laid her hand over his and shook her head, seeing how badly he needed to calm down.
Rick's voice was a low growl. "Apparently, they've been spying on the girls showering for a while now."
"How'd they get found out?" Daryl asked, curious.
Glenn steepled his hands in front of his face and huffed in exasperation. "One of the showers went down, and the janitor was showing the plumber where he could have access to it. They were caught red-handed and dragged off to Mr. Hovarth's office."
Carol crossed her arms over her chest and sat back in her chair. "And how did the four of you get wind of this?"
Lori smirked. "I just happened to be working in the office with Mrs. Prescott, helping with some filing sixth period. I heard everything!" she confided. "Especially when their fathers showed up. God, Carol it was epic! And they weren't even worried about being overheard. Mr. Blake lost his shit and told Philip they were going to pack up and move to their summer home in Maine. Supposedly, he has some influence there and can sweep his son's actions under the rug."
"What about Ed?" Carol asked, trying not to let Daryl's thumb, brushing against the back of her hand, distract her.
Maggie sat back in her chair, laughing so hard she was holding her sides. "Classic! I hope he packs his snow shoes," she cackled.
Lori held back her own amusement to fill them in on Ed's fate. "Mr. Peletier was furious. Boy, does that man have a mouth on him to make a sailor blush. Called Ed a perverted SOB and then said when they got home he was going to call his friend – who is a base commander – and ship Ed off to an Alaskan military school!"
Carol tilted her head to the side and closed her eyes, grinning like the cat who'd got the cream. "The school year has barely begun, and now we'll be rid of those two for good. We might be able to enjoy our Senior year now."
"Hell, yeah!" Daryl whooped, leaning over for a fist bump with both Glenn and Rick.
Maggie finished off her half of the treat she was sharing with Glenn, her eyes widening as she caught sight of the clock on the wall. "Damn! Daryl can I catch a ride with you to the clinic? I'm relieving Shawn this afternoon."
"Sure," he replied.
"I need to get to work too. Thankfully, I won't be working the counter today."
Rick seemed surprised as he looked at Carol. "You're working in the kitchen? You changed your mind about tutoring me?" he asked, slightly panicked.
"Of course not. You can study just as easily at my worktable as you can out here." She winked at Glenn. "You're welcome to join us if you like, Glenn."
"Thanks, Carol. I could use some extra help," he grinned.
Lori kissed her boyfriend's cheek and hurried off, meeting her mother at the bank – where she worked as a teller – to catch a ride home.
Carol caught Daryl's wrist as they got up from the table. "Call me if you get a break?"
He nodded. "If I can. If not, I'll call y' before I crash."
Her face fell. "You're going home to Jackson tonight, aren't you?"
"I have t'. Need t' find out what his schedule is for th' week." He twisted his hand and tickled her fingers. "Makes it easier to avoid him."
He shivered as she leaned forward, her lips brushing lightly against his ear. "Please be careful … and try to have a good day."
"I will, Car. Don't worry."
*.*.*
Hershel Greene usually left the clinic at five p.m., but he'd had a lot to go over with his new assistant. The boy had impressed him, which didn't happen often. Now as Daryl sat on the Triumph, waving to the vet and his daughter as they locked up and headed home, he couldn't help but feel proud of himself. Before he could even light up a cigarette, Carol's picture was flashing on his phone, signaling her call.
"Hey …"
"How was it?" she asked, nearly breathless.
Daryl chuckled, blowing a thin stream of smoke from his nose. "Told y' earlier, it was goin' fine. Y' call your dad t' pick y' up from your shift?" he asked, unable to see her home because her shift ended an hour before his.
Carol huffed at his change of subject. "No, I caught a ride home with Rick. He's doing much better, and I don't think he's going to have trouble passing our Trig test this week. As long as he maintains a C average, he won't get kicked off the team." She sighed, and the rustling noises in the background made him imagine her stretching out on her bed. "Now, stop avoiding my question. I want to know all about your first day at work."
"You're a bossy lil' thing, y' know that?"
"Daryl!" she whined.
"A'right … it was fine, Carol. Hershel gave me th' full tour, explained all my duties an' such. An' we had two clients come in today. Mrs. Kravitz with her cat an' Mr. Dillon with Bruiser, his boxer."
"What was wrong with them?" she asked, and he could hear the worry in her tone. His girl had a soft spot for animals too.
Daryl took a last drag from his cigarette and stubbed it beneath his boot. "Peaches, she jus' had a hairball stuck in her throat, but Mrs. Kravitz swore up an' down her baby had pneumonia. I jus' had t' hold her while Hershel got it out. Her owner was kinda surprised … said her cat don't let nobody hold her."
Carol's tone softened lovingly. "I'm not surprised, Daryl. You have a soft touch, and animals are drawn to you. What was wrong with Bruiser?"
Daryl winced. "Y' know old Mr. Dillon lives out there on Saw Mill Road with acres of woods at the back o' his property. Seems th' little guy had a run in with a porcupine." His brow furrowed at her little sound of distress. "Don't worry, Carol, he's fine. Hershel removed th' quills an' gave him a light sedative to help th' pain. I felt kinda helpless, jus' holdin' him in my lap, tryin' t' keep him calm, but Hershel seemed pleased."
"Of course," she said confidently. "He has no idea just how lucky he is to have you."
Daryl sighed. Now she was getting downright sentimental. "A'right, I need t' get home an' see if I can't get some o' this homework done. I'ma try t' get the rough draft of my essay finished. Y' mind if I use your laptop tomorrow in study hall t' finish it up?"
She hesitated, and he could imagine her nibbling on her bottom lip. He knew what was coming. "Why don't you come over and we can work on it together?"
"Carol … we've discussed this already," he said, rubbing at his temple to rid it of the tension headache which was building. "I gotta make an appearance at home. I ain't got no choice."
"Fine," she replied in a petulant tone. "I'll bring the laptop tomorrow. Text me before you go to bed?"
"'Course. Don't I always?"
"Mhmm."
"Stop your worryin', Carol Ann," he admonished.
"In your dreams, Dixon."
*.*.*
Daryl yawned, his eyes drooping and stinging with exhaustion. It hadn't taken him long to get the worksheets done, but his essay had taken more than an hour. He still wasn't entirely sure he was happy with it, but he knew Carol would look it over before he wrote the final draft. He'd never claim to be as smart as Carol, but he was close … because of her. She pushed him to be the very best he could be, and he was determined not to let her down.
He packed up his books and papers, sliding them into his backpack before he stood up and stretched. He couldn't remember the last time he'd been so tired. At least, his new job was as challenging as it was rewarding. Rummaging through the refrigerator, he found a can of Coke behind the case of beer Jackson had put in there. Gawd forbid the man buy some food. Thankfully, there had been enough to fix himself a sandwich when he'd gotten home.
Daryl glanced up at the clock on the wall and yawned. It was already after eleven, and Jackson hadn't come home yet. He was probably shacked up with some floozy he'd met down at the bar. He finished his Coke and tossed the can in the bin before he slid his phone into his backpack and slung it over his shoulder. He wasn't going to stay up waiting on the fucker, that was for damn sure! All he wanted to do was call Carol and catch a few hours of sleep.
He'd barely stepped into the living room when the front door was thrown open, the heavy barrier knocking him onto his ass. At least it wouldn't be a lie this time when he had to explain to his girl where he'd gotten the knot now forming on his forehead. He'd had no warning, and he could only imagine why he hadn't heard the Harley pull up into the yard.
"Th' fuck y' doin' lurkin' behind th' front door, boy?" Jackson sneered, looking down at Daryl.
Daryl peered up at him warily from beneath his lashes as he slowly climbed to his feet. It was never good to make any sudden movements where Jackson was concerned. "Wasn't lurkin'," he said defensively. "I was on my way t' bed. Somethin' wrong with th' Harley? I didn't hear y' pull in."
"Fuckin' Fred – do-gooder asshole – wouldn't let me drive home. Caught a ride with him." Jackson stumbled into him, knocking Daryl back and making his way into the kitchen to pop a frozen dinner into the microwave. "Gonna need y' t' go pick it up tomorrow an' bring it home."
Daryl ducked his head so his old man couldn't see the derisive roll of his eyes. Yet, before he could respond, Jackson began yelling. Oh, shit, please not tonight!
"What th' hell y' wearing, boy?!"
Daryl cringed, wide eyes rising to his father's. He'd completely forgotten about the scrubs he was wearing. "I … uh … I started my new job today," he answered lamely. "Jim's sellin' the garage … and … and I thought it would be better t' find another one before I got laid off."
Jackson sneered. "What kinda job has y' wearin' that pussy shit?"
Daryl's heart pounded in his chest, the blood threatening to freeze in his veins as he anticipated a blow, but his old man hadn't moved from his spot leaning against the counter. "I'm workin' over at Green's Animal Clinic as a vet assistant," he answered dully, his voice raspy with fear.
His father's lip curled further as he glared at Daryl. "For all that fancy schoolin' y' insist on, yer about as dumb as a box o' rocks," he scoffed. "Y' ain't gonna make no money playin' around with a bunch o' animals, boy!" Daryl forced himself to stand his ground as Jackson took a staggered step towards him. "When th' new owner takes over the garage, y' best look like gettin' down there and beggin' for your job back."
To avoid the fight his old man so desperately wanted, Daryl just nodded in agreement. Seemingly satisfied, Jackson took his food from the microwave and slumped down at the table. "Are y' gonna need me t' bring y' t' work in th' mornin'?"
Jackson shook his head. "Nah … I called Sam on th' way home an' told him my bike was down. He said he'd come out here t' pick me up." He pointed his fork at his son. "An' don't be thinkin' about pullin' no stupid stunts while I'm gone this week," he growled in warning.
"Gone?" Daryl asked, his heartrate picking up again, but this time with excitement.
"Yeah, we got th' contract over in Griffin. Got th' word t'day. We'll be startin' on that new strip mall, so I won't be home prob'ly 'til Tuesday next week."
"A'right. Y' need me t' help y' pack?" he asked, not knowing what else to say. He felt like doing cartwheels down the hall. A whole week without Jackson? Hell yeah! By the time his old man got back, he'd be eighteen – a legal adult – and safely ensconced in the cabin. And Merle would be home!
"Pfft," Jackson scoffed, "as if I'd want y' riflin' through my stuff. Carry y' ass t' bed. Tired o' lookin' at y."
Daryl didn't argue, though he had to make himself tread slowly from the room. He couldn't allow his father to see just how happy he was. He couldn't wait to tell Carol.
*.*.*
William stopped in the doorway of his daughter's room and frowned as he watched her pace anxiously back and forth, her phone clutched to her bosom, the other raking through her mussed auburn curls. "Sweetheart, what's wrong?" he asked, concern heavy in his voice.
Carol shook her head. "Nothing, Daddy, just waiting for Daryl to call."
He moved slowly into the room and pulled her into his arms. "I'm sure he's fine, Carol Ann. It's nearly midnight. Maybe he fell asleep studying."
She burrowed further into his embrace, seeking comfort. "I know, but I'm not going to be able to sleep until I hear his voice." She fought back a sob as her father ran a hand over her hair. "It's just another day and he'll be free. I'm so worried something is going to happen and … and … Daddy, I can't lose him!"
William took her shoulders in a firm grip and forced her to meet his eyes. "Carol, he's going to be fine. He's strong and clever and so brave, and he has friends to support him. He's going to do everything in his power to stay safe. Believe in him, sweetheart. Don't let your fears overwhelm you."
Carol shrieked excitedly when the phone rang, her hands fumbling with the phone until she feared dropping it. "Daryl?!"
"Hey."
William could see the tension bleed from her, and he pointed her towards the bed, pulling the blanket up around her, then turning off her lamp. She would be fine now. He pulled her door closed and sought out his own room, wanting nothing more than to fall into bed with his wife for some cuddling and sleep.
"Are you alright?" Carol asked, breathless now that the adrenaline was no longer coursing through her veins. "I've been so worried."
"I'm fine."
"Then why are you whispering?"
Daryl sighed. "So th' old bastard can't hear me, that's why! But don't worry, other than gettin' taken by surprise an' hit by th' front door, I'm ok."
"What if you have a concussion!?"
"I don't," he hissed in exasperation. "Y' hover entirely too much, Car. I hate t' ask, but I need a favor."
Carol perked up. "Anything, you know that."
He stretched out on his back and got comfortable, relieved he'd managed to shift the focus of their conversation off of himself. "I have t' go pick up Jackson's bike from th' bar because he was too wasted t' ride it home himself. Think y' can bring me t' get it before school?"
She rolled over and immediately set her alarm clock to get up an hour earlier. "Of course, I will."
Carol could hear the grin in his voice when he answered, "Got some good news."
"Yeah?"
"Yep. His boss got th' contract t' build that new strip mall over in Griffin. He's gonna be gone for a week! I'll be long gone by th' time he gets back, an' Merle will be home by then too. He won't be able t' touch me."
"That's the best news!" she squealed in delight. "Daryl, this is just perfect!"
"Can I ask y' for one more favor?" he asked, his voice no longer a whisper, but the deep graveled roughness she loved. "Think y' might want t' come over after work an' help me pack th' rest o' my stuff … maybe spend th' night at th' cabin?"
Carol shivered, a wide smile perched on her lips. "I finally get to spend the night in your bed?" she purred. "How could I say no?"
Daryl chuckled. "Go t' sleep, Carol Ann."
"Mhmm," she hummed, her mind racing with possibilities. "Night, Daryl."
She hugged her phone close to her chest as the line disconnected and fell asleep with a contented smile on her lips.
A/n: OMG I am SO sorry for the delay. I've been having some health issues which just shut me down for the last few days. It was a struggle to get this done. I'm going to have another chapter as soon as possible, but I won't give you a set day to look for it. Thank you so much for your patience.