A/N Thank you again, you guys make me smile :) Let's see, that biddy Mrs. Neudermeyer is out to spread stories and cause trouble. What will Mrs. Horvath do now? So much is going to happen. Hang on.
00
She's typically a calm and controlled woman. She's gracious and not one to raise her voice, but anger has consumed Miss Erma. Never has she experienced such powerful feelings of rage. Yet, as she speaks to the uninvited visitor seated on her porch, casually sipping tea while spreading rumors, Erma Horvath manages to keep her anger well concealed.
She can't hide her feelings completely though. Her voice has a decidedly sharp tone when in no uncertain terms she tells the woman, "I think the time has come for you to leave. And shame on you Shelly Neudermeyer for spreading such vile gossip about a sweet and kind young woman."
As she stands to go the woman huffs, "Don't take the anger and disappointment you have in your help out on me Erma Horvath. She's no sweet and innocent girl, that little hussy is playing you for the fool."
That's the end of Erma's nerves and tolerance, in her strongest and harshest tone yet she says, "That's quite enough Shelly, you leave my home now, and I'd best not hear that you've been spreading this rumor around town. If I get wind of even one whisper of it anywhere I promise you I'll be going straight to the preacher. I'll tell him you're deliberately causing harm to a young woman of deep faith. I don't think he'll appreciate hearing there's a gossip monger in the congregation."
The visitor huffs again and her parting words are cold and hard, "Well isn't that a lovely threat Erma, but you mark my words, you'll rue the day you lashed out at me to stick up for that young hussy. When that day comes don't bother to come crawling to me with your apology, it won't be accepted."
Miss Erma's hands are firmly on her hips and she's standing tall, "I can assure you I won't be losing a moment's sleep over you or your baseless lies."
As the visitor storms off Mrs. Erma stands frozen in place and deeply concerned. Beth is like the daughter she never had. A sweet, delightful and precious young woman whom she has always believed to be of the highest moral character, and now this news.
The worst part of hearing these claims is, Erma believes every word Mrs. Neudermeyer spoke regarding the behavior of sweet Beth and the boarder. She's seen with her own eyes the looks that pass between her young helper and the rough-looking boarder.
She's been trying for weeks to deny it, truth be told it's been ever since he moved in. She's even tried accusing herself of imagining things, just so she wouldn't have to see what's happening right before her eyes. All the while she's prayed hard that Beth would forget about the boarder and find herself a more suitable young man.
Erma's seen something else with her own eyes, the interest several of the young gentlemen at church have in Beth. Why just a few weeks ago at the ice cream social it was quite evident. The young fellows were practically pushing each other away, trying so hard to be the one to help her fix a sundae and chat with her a while.
It isn't that Miss Erma has any particular dislike for the boarder. He seems like a nice enough man and he's certainly provided well for the house. She appreciates him. It's just that he also seems so terribly ill-suited to her pretty young Beth. He's coarse and not at all well-spoken, and he's older, far too old for her, and Erma has never seen him at Sunday services.
Perhaps…well she's going to have to think about all of this very carefully before making her knowledge of the situation known. For now she has a splitting headache. She simply must lay down while she considers the best course of action.
She walks in her front door to see Beth waiting as Mister Dale is just arriving at the bottom of the stairs with the Vacuette. "Here you go young lady. When you're done just leave it over there in the corner. I'll take care of it when I get back."
Erma's mood lightens a bit, she can't help teasing her husband, "And just where do you think you're going Husband?"
He's like a child caught with his hand in the cookie jar, but knowing he's not really in trouble, "I'm just going out for a walk and a visit."
She knows exactly where her husband's going and she scolds, "Indeed. Well Mister Horvath, you be careful you don't get any grease on your freshly laundered clothes. Working on that old jalopy has got nearly everything you own stained. I had a devil of a time getting that spot off your pants the other day."
"Yes Dear One, you've reminded me about it many times already, and didn't I promise to be more careful?"
All the while Beth has been keeping herself out of it, dusting what's already been dusted with a smile on her lips. She enjoys listening to the Horvaths. They have a funny way of pretending to bicker, but she's never seen any real anger between them.
She's feeling happy too, today is a good day. The young woman is completely oblivious with regard to the gossip her employer has just been told.
Mister Dale is out the door and Miss Erma tells her, "Beth, Dear I've got a terrible headache coming on. I'm going to my room and rest a while. I should be feeling better in plenty of time to help you with the dinner. I believe you have a rabbit stew planned, is that right?"
"Yes Ma'am, unless you prefer I make something else."
"No, not at all. Rabbit stew sounds lovely Dear and I know the men will all enjoy it. That Mister Dixon is quite the fellow bringing us so much nice food for the table, isn't he?" Her question is deliberate and she instantly gets the reaction she feared when Beth's cheeks turn bright pink and she stumbles over her own words.
"Oh, um, um yes Ma'am. Yes, well it's wonderful."
Erma Horvath would bet her basket of embroidery thread the girl would not have blushed that way at the mention of say, Dr. Eugene or Mister Eric.
Miss Erma goes to her room, lays on the chaise and closes her eyes, but she has no intention of napping. Her mind is working on the dilemma at hand. She told Beth from the start she'd have to let her go if she got in any sort of romantic entanglement with a boarder. It wasn't because she wanted to be mean. Her motives are well-intentioned. Her goal has always been to protect the young woman, not because she thinks any of the men are terrible people, but men have strong needs and sometimes those needs won't be denied. Besides, it's simply a bad idea to mix business and romance.
Erma Horvath also understands things about Beth. She's young, she's lived a stark and sheltered life and she's completely innocent to the ways of men. She doesn't know about the way their physical desires sometimes lead them to make promises that will never be kept. Many's the young woman whose found herself alone with a child, with no means of support for herself and the baby. Erma has no idea what sort of man the boarder might be, or if he'll cause young Beth shame and grief. It's best not to leave these things to chance.
Once again all of her concerns are right there in front of her and demanding she take action.
So, as she rests she's considering the situation, trying to decide the best way to handle it. She has several ideas. What she'd most like to do is put into action a plan that would allow Beth to stay, while bringing the budding romance between her young helper and the boarder to an end. She herself would simply never let on she knew of Beth's transgression.
Beth is smiling happily as she completes her chores, she'll be done a little early this morning. She'll have plenty of time to enjoy her lunch and during her rest break she can write in her diary. She couldn't get all her feelings and every detail written down last night. She was too excited and too exhausted at the same time.
She is feeling a bit sad though. Monday evenings are when Daryl calls on his brother and family. He'll leave right after dinner and she won't see him again until morning. Of course she understands why he must go, and she would never presume to tell him he shouldn't go, that would be selfish and besides, she wants Daryl and his brother to build a stronger bond, family is so important. Tonight, right after her bath, she'll be sitting down to write letters to the members of her own family.
Daryl's working at the treatment plant this Monday and things are paced just the way he likes. He's busy but not so busy that he feels overly rushed. With the work being so routine it serves to free up his mind so there's plenty of time to think of other things, and the only other thing he's thinking about is her.
Over the past three weeks he and Beth have been meeting for 15 minutes or so four nights a week. Then there's their Sunday time. It's the most relaxed, it's when they feel a bit more freedom to be themselves, and to touch. He feels like he's come to know her pretty well and he thinks she must feel the same about knowing him.
They talk, they hold each other and they kiss. But other than him getting a bit more familiar and rubbing her back, or placing his hands on her hips while they neck, that's as far as things have gone. He'd sure like it if there could be more closeness but he doesn't dare push for more with her. She'd surely slap him if he even dared to be a little more familiar. If even in a nearly innocent way, he were to simply let his hand gently glide over her breast, over her clothes. No, she wouldn't allow it.
She's a good girl, proper. He gets it, and how could he possibly be angry about the person she is when he's understood it from the start. Still, there's no denying he's getting frustrated.
He knows where he could go and meet a woman just to ease the tension and desire. No one else would ever have to know what he'd done. But he isn't going anywhere else. He can't because he knows, his heart belongs to Beth. The physical contact he's craving will only be satisfied if he has that intimacy with her.
He hasn't admitted it to himself yet, but it could be that someday soon he'll realize, it's because he loves Beth.
Beth's chopping vegetables for the stew when Miss Erma comes walking in the kitchen, "My sweet helper, it seems you're always working."
"Not always and I don't mind at all. You've been very generous with me and my family. Besides, I just had a nice break. And how are you feeling Ma'am? Has your headache passed?"
"Yes Dear, and thank you for asking." What better time to bring it up? It's the most common thing in the world for women who are working together to converse about men. So, while Miss Erma gets busy making biscuits she ventures so matter-of-factly, "You're such a sweet and thoughtful person Beth. Any young man would be blessed to have you in his life. In fact, I've noticed several of the young gentlemen at church seem quite anxious to give you their attention. Are there any of them you have an interest in?"
Oh my. She has to watch her words very carefully; she can't simply dismiss Erma Horvath's question. That wouldn't seem natural. There is a young man or two she would have agreed to let call on her, but that all changed the day Daryl Dixon showed up at the front door of Horvath's Boarding House. Since then she's only had eyes for him. Still she smiles and tells the woman, "I'm not sure. Zach Roberts is quite nice, and he's attractive, but," she feigns embarrassment as if she's too shy to go on. It's just not something she cares to discuss.
However, the admission has brought to life the very idea Erma's been toying with, "Zach Roberts? He does seem like such a fine young man, and he has an employment position at his father's mill. That's very important to consider Beth, he'll always have a job. And his Mother and Father are delightful people, the family never misses a Sunday at church."
She smiles so sweetly at Beth and says, "You never know Dear, he may very well pay you a call sometime."
"Yes, Ma'am." It's all Beth can think to say before sending up a prayer that Zach Roberts will never, nor will any other man, ever come to call.
She can't imagine sitting and talking, holding hands and being too close with any man but Daryl. Holding each other tightly and kissing, or oh my goodness, allowing a man to put his tongue in her mouth. No, never. She could never indulge in those sorts of behaviors with anyone but Daryl no matter how handsome or successful the suitor may be.
Her mind begins to wander to thoughts of him and she wonders what would happen if Daryl were to become more forward with her. What if he were to press for a little more closeness? What if he were to perhaps touch her breast or her bottom? What would she do?
Of course it wouldn't be proper, and she should never allow him to make such advances, but would she really be able to ask him to stop? She's not sure she could because lately, she's been wondering about sharing more closeness with him.
There's something else too, something she's finally admitted, and in writing. Just a while ago in the privacy of her room she told her diary, "I believe it's possible that I've fallen in love with Daryl Dixon."
He hurries home from work like he does every weekday, happy knowing he'll see her. He bounds up the stairs and into the bathroom, washes up and does the best he can to comb back his hair. He wants to look at least halfway decent when he sits for dinner.
He's thinking of the little conversation they had at the park yesterday, when he told her how much he'd appreciate it if she could see her way clear to make a rabbit stew. She smiled so pretty when she replied, "of course, I'd be happy to Daryl." And as delicious as the house smells he's sure she's done just that.
He's waiting as she walks in the room pushing the dinner cart, and he can't keep from smiling when he sees the big tureen up top. He's doing his best to follow Aaron's advice to be more discreet, that's the only reason he doesn't jump up and offer to help. His help isn't need anyway. Abraham is on his feet and lifting it to the table with a smile, while saying the words Daryl's thinking, "It looks and smells like you've outdone yourself again Miss Beth. You're a wizard in the kitchen."
Daryl's not at all concerned the man is being flirtatious. He knows he doesn't have to worry because he knows Abraham's big secret. It's why he doesn't feel jealousy over the man's attention to Beth or the big grin on his face, or the compliments that Abraham is paying to his Sweetheart.
Daryl's learned over the course of the weeks he's lived at Horvath's, it's not just him or Aaron and Eric who have secrets. There are plenty of secrets in this house.
00
As for Abraham's secret, Daryl discovered it quite by accident just two weeks ago. It was nearing the end of the work day and he was called upon to take care of a water line emergency. A broken pipe had been reported on a residential street over on the Negro side of the city.
Daryl knew the area only because of past work he'd done there. The city's color lines are clearly drawn between the white and the Negro parts of town. The city council passed an ordinance years before requiring segregation. Restaurants had to be designated for one race only, no mixing. Atlanta's streetcars are segregated, with black patrons required to sit in the rear. If not enough seats are available for all white riders, the blacks sitting furthest forward in the trolley are required to stand and give their seats to whites.
Racial mixing and inter-racial marriage are not just illegal in Georgia, they're illegal all over the south and even in some states up north.
None of that matters when it comes to the city's infrastructure, maintenance of the water and sewer system is among a handful of things that crosses racial lines. Anyway, that day Daryl was mostly thinking about a different terrible reality, he was going to miss out on the fried rabbit dinner he knew Beth was cooking up.
He was feeling disappointed but the job was the job and so he hopped in the work truck and hightailed it over that way. He'd just stepped down from the vehicle when, as he was assessing the situation he happened to glance up and see what he saw, and it was as plain as the nose on Abraham Ford's face.
The man came walking out the front door of a little blue house, and if that wasn't surprising enough, as he stood there on the stoop a pretty Negro woman poked her head out the doorway. The way she smiled at the big redhead made it pretty darn clear what was going on, and then Abraham removed all doubt.
The man cradled the woman's face in his hands and kissed her deeply. Then in his typical booming voice he said, "See ya tomorrow Doll."
The woman had no sooner shut the front door than Abraham looked up the street to see his fellow boarder standing there. Daryl knew his own mouth was probably hanging open, but he tried to hide his shock by simply tilting his chin up in greeting, and promptly getting back to his work.
He never expected Abraham to come walking toward him, and unlike Abraham's usual way when he spoke his voice was quiet and subdued. "I suppose you saw that?"
Daryl shrugged, answering, "I didn't see nuthin' and I don't know about nuthin'."
Abraham sounded almost desperate then, "Be serious Daryl. Shit. Me and her, well I ain't gotta tell you it's illegal. The neighborhood folks around here, they turn a blind eye, but if word were to get out I'd lose my job. Shit man, I'm not even worried about that, it's her I'm worried about. God only knows what they might do to her."
Daryl stops working long enough to tell the other man, "I ain't one ta tell tales Ford, and I got no desire ta cause anyone any trouble, especially not some woman. All I'm gonna say is, ya might wanna be a little sneakier. Anyone coulda seen what I seen."
"You're right Dixon, I have to do a better job of protecting us both."
Just like he knew he would be, Daryl was late for dinner that night. He didn't want to go hungry so he'd stopped at the store on his way home and bought himself two cans of chili. He planned to eat the food up in his room, cold and right from the can.
He was caught by surprise when as he walked in the side door Mister Dale called to him, "Young man, come on in the kitchen. We've kept your dinner warm."
It was Abraham's doing. He'd told Dale and Erma that he'd seen Daryl and the man was going to be working late fixing a broken water line. "He'll miss dinner and I bet he'll come home mighty hungry."
The Horvaths agreed and Beth fixed a hearty plate for the boarder, keeping it warm for him in the oven draw. Daryl felt like a king sitting at the kitchen table and having Beth set the big plate of fried rabbit, mashed potatoes and gravy, biscuits and corn in front of him.
Even better, after he thanked the Horvaths for their consideration, they excused themselves and retired to their room. That left him and Beth in the kitchen alone to enjoy a whispered conversation.
00
The rabbit stew is the best he's ever had, and he manages to quietly tell her that as she's clearing plates from the table. The smile she gives him eases his sadness at having to leave her this evening to visit his brother.
There's a witness to their brief exchange, someone watching from the sitting room who also notices the way Beth smiles at Daryl Dixon. If there had been a doubt in Miss Erma's mind it's gone now.
It surprises Daryl how much he enjoys visiting with his brother these days. Things are different now that Merle has Carol and Sophia in his life. Daryl also enjoys an easy relationship with Carol, she's like the sister he never had. And Sophia, she's his little buddy. She loves telling him stories about school and her friends there and he enjoys listening to the little girl happily chatter away.
After he's spent some time with all of them, he and Merle slip out to the back to drink a beer and talk. It's chilly but they're dressed for it. As Daryl's taking his first swallow of the home brew his brother asks, "So brother, I been waiting weeks for ya ta spill the beans, when's that gonna happen?"
Daryl has no idea what his brother's talking about, "What beans are those?"
"You tell me brother, but if I had ta guess I'd be guessin' it's a woman."
"Ya don't know what you're talkin' about ya big blowhard."
"Oh yeah? Well I may blow hard little brother but that don't mean I can't tell when sumthin's goin' on. Right now I'm pretty sure what's goin' on with you has sumthin' ta do with a woman."
"What makes ya think that?"
"It's pretty simple ta guess, I ain't ever seen ya lookin' and actin' so happy."
It catches Daryl by surprise and he lets out a low laugh, "Alright, ya got me. I guess you're right, I ain't ever been this happy."
"So then, what's the word?"
Daryl shrugs his shoulders thinking there's really no reason not to tell, "She works there at the boardin' house and well, me n her we had some feelins right from the start and we been seein' each other on the sly."
That perks Merle's ears and his caution, "The sly? She ain't married is she kid?"
"Nah, hell no. Ya know better. I ain't the kind ta mess with a married woman. It's just the folks that own the place got a rule. She ain't allowed ta keep company with the boarders."
"Huh. Well that explains a lot, now I know why you're still there."
"I'm still there cuz I'm waitin' till my place is done."
"That right there is a big ol' pile a bullshit Daryl. Ya got your bathroom, ya got your kitchen, ya got heat and ya got electrical. So what's the hold up?"
"I ain't painted the inside and I got no furniture 'cept my bedroom and that kitchen table and shit. I hardly even got any dishes and kitchen stuff. Just what I had for campin'."
"Yep, and ya know what that amounts to?"
"No, but I'm sure you'll tell me."
"It amounts ta more than enough for ya ta be livin' there. Hell it's a thousand times more than ya had growin' up and you survived that shit."
Daryl throws up his hands. The truth is the truth and he knows two things, Merle's right and Merle isn't one to buy any bullshit. He's a master at that stuff and he knows when it's being shoveled back at him.
"Alright, yeah, she's why I'm still there. I just don't know how I'd get ta see her enough if I was livin' out at my place and she was workin' at Horavth's."
"Well bright boy, I guess you could ask her to move in with ya."
"She wouldn't move in with me or any other man. She's a real good girl Merle, real proper."
"Proper, huh? How old is this girl?"
"18."
"Damn brother, ain't that kinda young?"
"I guess, but she, dammit Merle. I care about her."
"I know how it feels when that happens." Then he does something he rarely does, he wraps an arm across Daryl's shoulders and suggests, "Well I guess you could marry up."
"I ain't sure I'm the kind ta marry."
"Yeah? I bet ya thought I wasn't the kind ta marry either."
Daryl's head is spinning on the drive home. He has no idea exactly what he should or will do, but he does have a strong feeling he needs to do something before long.
For the rest of the week they enjoy pleasant weather, no wind and no rain. So although it's a bit chilly, it's not so chilly that they can't keep each other warm out back.
Friday evening he asks her, "If you was ta paint the inside of a house what color would ya want it ta be?"
"Oh gosh, I don't know. Maybe just something plain, except for my bedroom. I've always wanted a sunny yellow bedroom with white lace curtains and a big warm comforter. That sounds so bright and cheerful."
"Bright and cheerful, huh?" He's still not ready to admit to himself why, but he knows he's buying a can of paint in the morning and painting the bedroom yellow.
They make a plan for Sunday. She'll be at the park at two to meet him. Before sneaking back in the house they share a deep kiss and he almost makes a move, but stops himself. No, she's a good girl. He's got to stay mindful of that.
He leaves Saturday morning, managing to lightly clasp her hand before he goes, and already anticipating holding her again soon.
He stops at the paint store and he's off to work on his place.
Beth keeps herself busy Saturday afternoon practicing her embroidery. Miss Erma's been teaching her and she's come to like it very much. So she sits on the front porch enjoying the afternoon sun and embroidering flowers on her handkerchiefs, but like always it seems her mind is on him.
It's as she and the Horvaths are walking home from church Sunday that Mrs. Horvath tells Beth something she did not want to hear, "I have exciting news Beth. Zach Roberts mother tells me he'll be calling on you this afternoon. He'll be by at two."
Beth wants to die right on the spot. No. No! This can't be. She doesn't want to be with Zach, she wants to be with Daryl! Oh no. This is the worst news ever, and how will she even get word to Daryl she can't meet him? He told her he's going to clean up at his place and drive from there straight to the park.
Still Beth's employer has arranged this meeting and she'll have to take part in it. Maybe she can just explain to Zach. Maybe they can part friends. Oh no. Oh no. Oh no.
The doorbell chimes promptly at two and Mr. Horvath answers. He greets the caller and escorts him to the front room. Beth is in the other room wanting to die. Daryl's probably at the park already and, oh no,oh no.
They sit on the small sofa in the front room and thank goodness, after pleasantries are exchanged Mr. Horvath leaves the room, but then Miss Erma walks in. Zach is a gentleman, immediately rising to his feet, and Miss Erma says, "Please, sit. I've just come to ask you if you'd like lemonade or ice tea?"
Zach smiles, "Thank you Ma'am, tea sounds nice as long as it's not too much trouble."
"Not at all."
Beth sees her chance to escape, she's immediately on her feet. "I can help."
"Oh no Dear, you stay and chat. I'll be back in a minute."
As they're waiting Zach tells her, "You look very nice today Miss Beth."
"Thank you."
Then in a voice barely above a whisper he asks, "Did you know I was coming to call?"
She's not sure why they're being secretive, but she whispers back, "No, I had no idea until after services, why? Didn't you know?"
"No, my Mother sprang the news on me right after church. I'm sorry Miss Beth. I don't want to lead you on, but I don't want to hurt your feelings either."
"I don't think you'll hurt my feelings."
He's suspicious about something and smiles, "Do you already have a sweetheart?"
Beth doesn't get her story out, she only begins, "It's complicated..." Just as Miss Erma returns to the room.
She's carrying a tray with two tall glasses of tea and a plate of cookies. Again Zach is on his feet as he takes the tray from her hands and sets it on the table. Miss Erma smiles, "Thanks you Son. You young people enjoy your visit." And she leaves the room with a smile on her face.
As soon as she's out of ear shot Zach begins his whispered story, "I've been having a romance my Mother doesn't approve of."
Beth smiles admitting, "I understand, I'm in the same situation."
They're both feeling a sense of relief at the shared news, and Zach asks, "Really? Is it someone from church?'
Beth can think of no reason to keep it a secret, "No he doesn't go to our church."
Zach nods and tells her, "Well my Sweetheart does, you know her. It's Amy Harrison."
"Amy? Really? Oh, I like her so much. Your Mother doesn't approve of Amy?"
"No and it's not even Amy's fault. It's her older sister, Andrea. She has a reputation of being a…," He catches himself and manages to phrase it more delicately, "for enjoying the company of men. A lot of men."
Beth's hand covers her mouth, "Oh my." Then she catches herself, "Well Amy certainly can't be responsible for her sister's behavior."
"Thank you for saying that Beth, that's the argument I've made with my Mother."
Daryl has been at the park fifteen minutes waiting for Beth. They agreed to meet at "their" bench, the one surrounded by flowering bushes. He can't imagine what could be making her late and he's starting to become concerned. Beth is never late for anything.
Could there have been an accident at the house? Did something happen along the way? He glances at his watch and makes an agreement with himself. He'll wait another fifteen minutes. If she's not here by then he'll go straight to Horvath's and find out what's happened.
He's no longer sitting on the bench, he's pacing in front of it and when the next fifteen minutes are up, he's sure something must have gone terribly wrong.
He hurries to the truck and makes it back to the boarding house in record time. He doesn't pull around the side, he pulls right up front and hurries in the door.
By now Beth has shared with Zach that she too is in a forbidden romance. "He's not someone you would know, at least I can't imagine you would. As I mentioned, he doesn't attend our church and he's a little older than you. Nearly 30."
They're still whispering, they don't want the Horvaths to hear they're conversation. Although, surprisingly for both of them it's a conversation they're enjoying. They're being honest, talking of similar challenges, and there's quite a bit of laughter.
That's what they're doing when Daryl walks in the front door. He's sick with worry over what's become of his Sweetheart and now he sees. She's all dressed up and sitting next to some fella who is equally dressed up, while they sip tea and giggle.
His heart is breaking at the same time anger has his adrenaline pumping. She starts to speak his name, "Dar…," but he doesn't acknowledge them in any way. He takes the stairs two at a time, gets in his room and slams the door, loud enough that Beth hears it. Oh no, oh no, oh no.
He wants to punch something, he wants to kill someone, he wants to die. And something happens to him that hasn't happened to him since the day his Mama died, he feels tears in his eyes. Fuck. What the hell happened?
He just finished painting the bedroom yellow, thinking maybe someday he might actually get the chance to bring her there. He knows now that's never going to happen.
He gets out of his fancy clothes and into a pair of dungarees and a flannel shirt, pulls his suspenders up and he's out of the room. He practically flies down the back stairs and out the side door. He needs a drink and he knows where to get one.
He shows up at his brother's house and Merle knows immediately, something happened and that something wasn't good.
They sit on the back porch and although Merle agrees they'll have a nip, he doesn't let Daryl nip much. First he wants to hear the story. Daryl tells it all, no longer interested in trying to hide anything, what's the point?
When he's done Merle looks at him and asks, "That's it?"
In an angry voice Daryl barks back, "Ain't that bad enough?"
Merle studies his younger brother for a minute. He knows no matter how hard the kid tries to hide it, he's a little sensitive and at the same time he can be a real hothead. Both those traits seem to be working on him now, "I don't know brother, you tell me. I mean did it occur to ya the guy might be an old friend, a brother or a cousin who dropped by unexpected? Ya said ta me just the other night she's a good girl, proper n all. That don't sound like the type ta be carryin' on two romances at once, and one of em right there in her boss's parlor."
That simple logic has Daryl cussing and shaking his head at himself, "Shit, you're right brother."
Carol insists he stay and have a bite to eat, and by the time the meal is done and he's talked it out one more time with both Merle and Carol, he doesn't get home until 7:30. He's grateful he had a shower earlier at his place, all he needs to do now is write her a note and get his ass to bed.
It's short and to the point, "I was a jerk, I shouldn't have run out like I did. It shook me up seeing you talking and laughing with some other guy, but I know that ain't a good excuse. I won't be going to Merle's tonight because I'm hoping you'll agree to meet me out back and we can talk. Please, Beth, please. I'm sorry, Daryl".
Come morning he's standing against the wall in the sitting area, waiting for her. The minute she comes through the door from the kitchen carrying the coffee pot he whispers, "Beth." She turns to look at him and the sight of her has him feeling worse than he did. Her eyes are red-rimmed and puffy and he knows she's been crying. She doesn't speak, she just takes the note from him and slips it in her apron pocket.
He's about to hurry ahead of her when she whispers, "Wait," And she hands him a note. He nods as he stuffs it in his shirt pocket and then hurries to the table.
After the meal, when the other fellas have left the table he reads her note, "Dear Daryl, It wasn't what you must have been thinking. I wish you would have given me a chance to explain instead but you were so angry. If I'd had a chance to talk to you, I could have explained everything. Beth"
He feels like an asshole, and he knows he deserves to feel that way. She walks back in the dining room but there's no chance to talk, no chance to apologize again. Mrs. Horvath is right behind her. He nods his head and says, "Goodbye ladies, have a nice day."
And when Beth responds, "You as well Mister Daryl, we'll see you tonight," he knows she's agreed to meet him. Thank God.
He's sure it's the longest day of his life but it's finally over and he gets to see her again, and tonight they'll talk. They'll work it out, they have to. He bounds up the stairs, washes for dinner and joins the other men at the table.
It's not two minutes after he sits when Mister Horvath comes walking in the room. His face and his tone are solemn as he explains, "I have to apologize and ask for your patience gentlemen. We're a little behind schedule. If you can just wait a bit longer, Mrs. Horvath will be serving your meal in no more than fifteen minutes."
The man seems shaken and Daryl can feel his own heart pounding with concern. It's Aaron who speaks up and asks the question on everyone's mind, "Has something happened? Where's Miss Beth this evening?"
Mr. Horvath takes in a deep breath and answers, "I'm sorry to tell you this gentlemen, Miss Beth has suffered a serious accident."
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A/N Well dang. Please leave a comment and let me know your thoughts. As always, the chapter photo is on my tumblr blogs gneebee and bethylmethbrick. I'll be back next Friday with another chapter of The Stranger Upstairs and I hope you'll be here too. Until then thank you so much and remember, I love ya large! xo gneebee