A/N I had this story all laid out, I knew just what the contents were and where I was going. But once I started to write it, some other story hijacked it. It's not at all what I'd planned. And if none of that makes sense to you, well it doesn't make sense to me either. But here's the hijacker and I hope you enjoy it!

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The Lie

The Setup

From the moment he'd first seen Beth Greene he knew she was something special. She just had that thing about her, you can't really put your finger on it, its' just that somehow you know. You know that thing that tells you a person is pure, sweet and kind. The rarest of all people, a person without guile.

It didn't hurt one bit that she was a beauty, but he tried hard not to notice that because Beth Greene was only 14 years old, he was 20.

Yeah, he was 20 but he was still in high school. If he didn't complete all of his requirements and get a diploma this year he wouldn't be able to come back. The age limit for public high school was 20.

He had no fault in this particular circumstance. Home was real shitty and over the years he'd missed a lot of school. He'd been held back in third grade because his Dad hadn't sent him to school for over a month in one stretch, claiming illness. What he really had was a broken arm and a broken face, thanks to that Dad. Of course the old man knew child services would haul his ass to jail if they got wind of it, so no school for Daryl.

In seventh grade it was a similar set of circumstances that kept him from attending, and again he was held back. The old man usually made it a point not to leave marks that showed, but those two times Will Dixon had been so drunk he forgot his own rules.

So here he found himself at the ripe old age of 20 desperately trying to achieve this one life goal, a diploma. His school counselor, in an effort to help him pass his basic math requirements, had set him up with a tutor, none other than the pure, sweet, kind and without guile Beth Greene.

They met three days a week after school in one of the math classrooms. She was so patient with him and even better than that, unlike a lot of folks Beth Greene never treated him like he was stupid or worthless. Beth would smile at him and tell him it was okay, that his answers were close, and to just try again.

And they came to be good friends. She truly was the only real friend he ever had. They'd talk about what they'd like to do when they got out of school, she was always telling him he was capable of being anything he wanted to be. Even though he was sure she meant it, he never believed it, he couldn't see it. Still he sure did like hearing it from her.

He began meeting her at the bus when she got to school in the morning and walking her to homeroom. Soon after they started having their lunches together every day. On the days she tutored him he'd wait out front with her afterwards until her sister Maggie or her brother Shawn showed up to get her. The other two days he'd walk her to her school bus. But never anything outside of school, she was too young, he was too old.

Not that he would have ever had the nerve to ask her out anyway, shit he didn't know beans about girls. But he always liked to try and believe that when she got older and graduated he'd have enough confidence by then to ask her.

Then the incident happened.

Both snack machines and both beverage machines in the school cafeteria had been vandalized. All the goods taken, but that was the least of it, all the money had been stolen as well. Two days later he'd been called into the principal's office. He was told there was an eyewitness to the crime and they would call the police if he didn't admit his guilt and leave school.

The principal reminded him he was 20 years old and he'd go to prison, not juvie. Like he was too dumb to figure that out on his own. "We're trying to keep this quiet Dixon, we don't want parents thinking the school doesn't have security. So you agree to go without a fuss and I won't call the police. Take it or leave, heck kid with your school record you'd probably never graduate anyway." He remembered it like it was yesterday, it was the same kind of shit he'd heard his whole life. So he'd signed the paper, stood up and said, "Fuck you asshole I never took nuthin'! Your snitch is probably the one who done it!"

Later that day he was at the mini market getting a pack a Marlboro. Shane Walsh walked in. He never much cared for that asshole either, but he did always seem to know everything that was going on at school and around town. If he could find out from Shane who that lying snitch was he'd kick his fucking ass until his nose bled.

He asked Shane straight out what he knew, who the fuck it was. Shane was nervous about being questioned, but then he'd always acted nervous around Daryl. He did have a reputation, he didn't think he deserved it but he had it. Shane responded to the question with a, "Listen man I know you're gonna be upset but ya gotta promise me you won't hurt her, otherwise I can't tell you who it was."

Her? That alone was a shock, "I ain't never hurt no girl an I ain't never gonna. Who the hell was it?"

When Shane said, "That little blond who tutors you in math, Beth Greene." Daryl was devastated. He thought they were friends. She was his only friend. The only person at school, or anywhere else for that matter he ever even talked to. And she'd been so nice to him, she always acted interested in him and his plans and dreams and ideas. She always had words of encouragement. Why would Beth make up this lie about him?

He planned to ask her why she'd done it the next day, why she'd make up a lie about him. He was pissed but he also felt so sad and confused. He planned to wait for her the next morning before school and ask her, find out what the hell this was all about.

At least that was the plan before he got home.

The Confrontation(s)

The principal had called his Dad to tell him why Daryl had been asked to leave school for good. Will Dixon couldn't care less that Daryl wasn't going to graduate, and he wasn't at all upset that Daryl would vandalize and steal, what he was mad about was that the kid hadn't shared the ill-gotten gain.

He'd caught his son by surprise, threw a haymaker when Daryl walked in the door. But Daryl was no kid anymore and he got up to fight back. He was holding his own even though the old man had 40 pounds and a reach on him. Then his father had grabbed a lamp and slammed it hard across Daryl's face.

It was then that Merle walked in the door and all hell really broke loose.

His brother had stopped by to tell Daryl to pack his things and come move in with him, get the hell out of that joint. Now Merle was deep into the fray. He ended up coldcocking the old man and him and Daryl left.

That was the last time Daryl ever saw his father.

Now he was more pissed off than ever, his whole life had totally gone to shit in just one day. Plus he looked like something from a horror movie. None of this would have happened if Beth hadn't lied about him. That was his mindset as he waited for her outside the school the next morning.

She saw him when she got off the bus and rushed right over to him.

He remembered it so clearly, like it had just happened this morning. "Daryl my gosh! What happened are you alright?"

That's all she got out of her mouth before he started in on her, "It's your fault, you caused this with your fuckin' lies, ya got me kicked outta school an now I'll never get a diploma, an ya got my ass whooped at home. All cuz you're some kind a lyin' fuckin' bitch." And she'd started to cry and he'd laughed.

The minute he said it he broke his own heart and he felt like the dickhead that he was. But he didn't know how he could take it back so he just got on that old trail bike he had and left her standing there crying.

That was the last time he saw her, it had been 10 years ago.

Five years ago when he'd learned the truth he tried calling her at folks' place, but her sister told him she didn't want to speak to him now or ever. He didn't blame Beth at all. He'd hurt her, he knew her well enough to know how hard what he said would hit. So if she didn't want to speak to him he'd never bother her again. He never did.

The Encounter

She'd gone all the way through the master's program and now with her big fat fancy and very costly degree, she couldn't find a job. Terrific.

It wasn't like she could just go home to Mama and Daddy, can you imagine the "I told you so's" she'd hear? That would be the frosting on her cupcake, wouldn't it? How many times had Daddy said, "Bethie, a degree in music history and five bucks will get you a cup of that fancy coffee you sell."

And she wasn't going to keep working at that high priced coffee chain either. She'd worked there all through college it was time to move on one way or another.

This was all just so humiliating.

She needed to do something and fast so when Amy said, "You should come with me to Road Hawgs I know it's not the career move you're looking for, or anything you'd normally consider, but look at the bright side Beth; the pay is decent and the tips are great. And if you're a hot little number like Beth Greene they'll be even better. Think of it Beth, you'll be able to pay rent and eat!"

The thought of that did intrigue her. But she just didn't know about it, a roadhouse that catered to motorcycle badasses? She'd driven by the place a few times when Amy was working, but she'd never had the nerve to go in.

"C'mon Beth, you know I'm leaving in a week and the owner is desperate to hire a replacement. I know the thought of the clientele scares you, but the boss isn't going to let any of them get inappropriate with you. He has real strict rules about that and all the dudes that hang there know it, the chicks do to. Everybody will treat you right and they really are a fun bunch, and like I said they tip big."

"I don't know Amy the idea makes me nervous, although I am getting desperate for cash."

"Well follow me over there when I go on shift this afternoon, I'm due in a 4:30. That's the shift I always work so you would too, 4:30 to midnight. I'll introduce you to the boss, he seems rough and he looks kind of mean but I promise, that's just the façade, under that he's a really nice guy."

"I'd feel so much better if I didn't have to leave him in the lurch and if you had a few bucks in your pocket. It's a win / win. C'mon Beth at least talk to him, that can't hurt."

So she followed Amy to Road Hawgs that afternoon. As they pulled in the parking lot sure enough, there were all those motorcycles lined up. That sight alone was enough to strike a little fear in her. Where the heck did Amy come by her fearless nature?

Thank goodness her friend took her hand as they walked in, otherwise she would have probably just stood frozen at the door.

The change from bright sunlight to a dark bar made it almost impossible for her to see at first, but when she focused in and saw who the owner was she was ready to turn around and run. It was him, Daryl Dixon.

Naturally he was older; it had been 10 years since she'd last seen him. He was rougher looking for sure and he did appear kind of mean. He was wearing a shirt that looked as though he'd just ripped the sleeves right off of it and a black leather vest. His hair was long and looked like it'd been a while since he'd run a comb through it, and judging by his facial scruff he'd lost his razor. And she just hated so much to admit it to herself but it was true, he was still the most handsome guy she'd ever seen.

It was her, ah damn he'd recognize her anywhere, and she'd hardly changed a bit, except she'd been just a girl then and now she was a woman. But she still looked so young and she still had that crazy blond curly hair, and those big blue eyes, and that sweet smile.

He'd misunderstood, he was meant to, he'd been told a lie and like a fool he'd believed it. He thought she was the one who'd snitched on him and he'd said something so mean to her. He'd lived with the guilt of that for 10 years. At first the words seemed justified, but as soon as he spoke them he wished he hadn't. And she'd burst into tears and he'd actually laughed at her. Even he didn't know why. What a little dick he'd been.

"Hi Daryl this is my dear friend Beth Greene. Beth is looking for a job and I told her she should come and talk to you, that you were looking for my replacement." Poor Amy, she was oblivious. She and Beth hadn't known each other back in high school.

He wasn't sure what to say to that, he was surprised Beth hadn't split the minute she saw him there. "Yeah well it's pretty slow right now Amy, I can cover out here. So if Beth wants ta, why don't ya have her fill out one a them applications in the office, then her n me can talk."

He didn't really believe it would get to that point, he was sure she'd bail and he wouldn't blame her.

Amy came out of the office all smiles, "She's got the application filled out and she's ready to talk to you Daryl, I can watch the bar no prob." It seemed pretty obvious Beth hadn't shared with Amy.

He was so happy she hadn't just left, but he was also scared shitless to see her one on one.

The Reconciliation

She'd gone along only because she was anxious to have it out with Daryl, to finally say her piece and tell him just what a giant jerk he was. Then she'd throw his stupid application in his face and storm out. She wasn't a fourteen year old kid anymore she was a 24 year old woman. So yeah, that was the plan.

Then he came walking in the office with that slow pigeon-toed strut, and she hated that she still had such deep feelings for this man, 10 years and an ocean full of tears later. All Daryl Dixon had to say to her was, "Beth…" And darn it, she was crying. Hard.

She was sitting in the big side chair and she was trying to talk through those tears, wanting to get answers, "Why Daryl, what the heck was that?" Some incidents, some moments, they just won't fade into faint memories and this one never had for her.

"Ya don't know? Ya never heard the whole story?" He was a little stunned by that.

"No. All I know is that I thought we were friends and then you showed up so battered-looking and yelling at me. You called me a name and made me cry, and then Daryl you laughed at me. I swear I cried for a year over that, and I never saw you again and I never knew what happened. Shane Walsh told me you dropped out because you thought you were too 'cool for school.'"

He was on his knees in front of her now, "Beth I know I was so wrong an I been so sorry for 10 years now. I ain't ever been able ta get over the guilt I had for sayin' what I said, especially when I found out the truth."

"But I don't even know what in the world happened, what the lie was and what the truth is." Her crying had slowed now but still she looked so sad it was tearing him up inside.

"If I can get Big Tiny ta mind the bar will ya take a ride with me? We can go somewhere an talk?"

"A ride on your motorcycle?"

"Nah, not this time, ya can't be ridin' in that tiny skirt. I got my pickup out back at my place. Will ya please, just please give me a chance an then you can kick my ass if ya want, Lord knows I got it comin'."

That made her laugh through her tears, "Don't put it passed me."

He gave her a sheepish grin, stood and walked to the door, "Let me just check with Big Tiny and Amy, I'll be right back."

Amy was intrigued as all get out. Geez what had Beth done to Daryl, cast some kind of spell on him? She'd been working there two years and he'd never even left early before, much less taken a day off. And since when were job interviews conducted off site? Oh she'd be torturing Miss Beth Greene until she spilled every bit of this story.

He came back in the office, offered a hand to help her from the chair and was more than a little relieved when she took it. He took her elbow as they walked out the door and back toward his place. It was about a 100 yards behind the bar, hidden in a stand of trees. There was a small cabin with a nice porch, a big pickup truck parked in front, and a shop building.

"Is this where you live Daryl?"

"Yeah, it ain't much but it's mine. Ya wanna have a look?" Shit he was astounded she was being so nice, but she always had been nice, it was all him he was the dickhead.

"Yes I'd like to see it. I'm curious to see how you ended up. I thought about it so much over the years, wondered what in the world ever became of you. I felt so bad you didn't finish school and that you somehow thought that was my fault. I'm anxious to hear this story Daryl. And just because I'm being nice don't mistake that for forgiveness. You broke my heart Daryl Dixon. It's going to take more than an apology to earn my forgiveness."

"That's fair Beth, I'll do whatever ya tell me ta do, whatever I can do ta show ya just how sorry I am. An I did get my diploma. A year after I left school, I worked durin' the day an went ta night school." And he smiled a little because he felt proud he could tell her he hadn't just given up.

"It makes me so happy to hear that, I always knew you were more than capable."

They walked in the cabin and it seemed so perfect for him, so Daryl.

"Have a seat Beth, please. Can I get ya a beer? Or whatever, I got tea too."

She was branching out, "Yes I'd have a beer, um, but could you put it in a glass please?" She wasn't branching out quite that far.

As she barely sipped at the beer he proceeded to tell her the story of the meeting with the principal, running into Shane at the mini market and the lie he was told, and the physical confrontation with his father. "That ain't no excuse for the way I was with ya, I still shoulda asked ya, we shoulda talked, I'da known then it was a lie. But I wasn't too good at thinkin' things through. That's one I'm still tryin' ta learn, how ta think a little longer and harder."

Beth Greene was still the sweet girl with the big heart and the pure soul, and her heart hurt to think of Daryl so beaten. She'd seen the result and now hearing the circumstance, knowing his own father had done this terrible thing, knowing what Daryl had thought was the truth, it felt like a fresh wound.

"I thought you knew me better Daryl, I thought we knew each other better. I would never, ever have told on you even if I saw such a thing. I would have been hurt and disappointed that you would do it, I would have asked you to please take responsibility for your actions; I would have asked you to pay the money back. I would not have gone to the principal to tattle on you. Shame on you for thinking that."

He kind of wanted to laugh at the "shame on you," that was so Beth. An old fashioned girl in a brand new world. But he felt way too guilty to laugh, and besides he'd never laugh at her again.

"I know Beth, I know. I'm a dumb ass and I know it."

"You shouldn't call yourself names Daryl. So now how did you find out the truth and just what the heck is the truth?"

"About five years ago a guy came to me, an older guy named Joe. He was in one a those 12 step programs where ya gotta make amends ta people for the things ya done. Part a gettin' right an gettin' clean I guess. Anyway, he told me Shane owed him a buncha money at the time. I guess that's why Shane had that nice little pickup, seems he got into the guy for the down payment then couldn't pay him back. So this Joe tells him he better figure out a way to get the dough or else it's gonna get real ugly for Shane. So he vandalizes and robs the machines, but now he's scared. So he hurries up and lies about it an tells the principal he seen me do it, so's he can save himself."

"I can see why he named me. Hell I's so much older than everyone else, I only had one friend, you, and I came from a rough family. I seemed liked the type I guess. And I guess he told me it was you cuz he knew I wouldn't never hurt ya. Not physically anyway."

"That's when I tried ta call ya, to explain everythin' that had happened and ta apologize. That's when Maggie told me you didn't want ta talk ta me an never would."

"Maggie never told me you called." She looked hurt now.

"Well I'm sure she was tryin' ta protect ya, Merle probably woulda been the same."

"I think I know another reason Shane told you it was me." She was looking down and he saw now she still blushed up bright pink.

"Why?"

"He started asking me out. He asked me several times but I never would go. I always felt very uncomfortable around him. Then he started accusing me of having a crush on you, he was always saying terrible things about what a bad person you are. Upsetting me all over again."

And he could swear her eyes were moist like she might cry. And then it occurred to him, what she'd just said. Why would Shane think that she had a crush on him? Maybe because it was true?

Daryl wasn't going to take a chance of losing her again. He'd been pining for her for 10 years. And he told himself he needed to get reckless right now, reckless with his heart, he needed to put it out there, take a chance or there would never be a chance. His only other option seemed to be to just stand there watching her walking away with that heart of his.

So he threw caution to the wind and did it, "I had a terrible crush on ya Beth. That's why it hurt so bad ta think you'd told them lies about me. I knew you was way too young, but I's hopin' by the time ya got outta school I'd have the nerve ta ask ya out, and I was hopin' you'd maybe say yes. Then everythin' went ta hell in a handbasket."

She placed a hand on his and she looked in his eyes, "So ask me Daryl, I'm pretty sure I'd say yes."

But suddenly he'd become a man who was all about taking chances, so instead of saying anything at all he took her face in his hands, he smiled at her and then he kissed like a man who'd been waiting for that kiss 10 years.

The Beginning

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A/N Like I said, exactly where that came from I have no idea, but there it is and I hope you liked it. I appreciate that you took the time to read it, and I would like very much to hear you comments / reviews. x gneebee

To see the chapter photo please visit my tumblr at bethylmethbrick I hope to see you back here next Thursday for another Little Love Story. Love ya large, xo gneebee