A/N Thank you all very much. That was a big chapter and so is this one. We have the Horvaths meeting the elder Dixons, Daryl and Beth in bed, and I think Daryl might surprise you with the way he takes care of business! :)
00
It's not their way to be calling on folks so late in the evening, it's nearly seven, but the Horvaths know they need help and they pray Daryl's brother and his family will be understanding.
It's not but a moment after Dale raps on the apartment door that a big, rough and shopworn-looking fellow answers. His voice sounds about as pleasant as gravel being scrapped across asphalt when he asks, "Yeah, whaddya need?"
The Horvaths may be inclined to run the other way if he weren't exactly the man Daryl told them to expect. Dale replies, "You're Merle Dixon, correct?"
"Yeah and who wants ta know?"
"My name is Dale Horvath and this is my wife, Erma. Your brother Daryl rents a room from us."
Immediately Merle's thinking the worst, something must have happened to Daryl. "Get in outta the cold, c'mon in hurry," and as he's shutting the door behind them he asks, "has sumthin' happened ta my brother?"
While they're assuring the man his brother is just fine they're also busy taking in their surroundings. The apartment is small but it's surprisingly cheerful and quite homey and tidy.
A woman walks in the room, probably from the kitchen, but she doesn't say anything. They can see she's taking their measure as she dries her hands on a kitchen towel. They understand, they're taking her measure as well.
The woman, who must be Carol Dixon, is slim with brown hair that's beginning to show a little gray. She has one of those modern haircuts, it's quite short. She's wearing a blue cotton housedress, clean and pressed, but definitely well-worn. She wears no makeup but she doesn't need it, her blue eyes sparkle and when she smiles there's a cheerful warmth to them.
In the far corner of the room a curtain has been drawn back revealing a small makeshift bedroom. A little girl sits atop a bed holding her doll as she carefully watches and listens to everything being said and done in the living room.
Dale Horvath tells the man of the house, "Your brother has sent us here to discuss a business proposition with you and your wife."
Merle can't imagine what that might be, "Oh yeah, what's that?"
It's then the woman of the house speaks, "Merle for goodness sake, you're snapping at these folks like an old bear. Why don't you invite them to have a seat and we can talk."
Erma Horvath is surprised to hear a woman admonish her husband in this way, especially in front of strangers. At the same time she does admire Carol's spunk and apparently so does the woman's big burly husband. He's half smiling when he says, "You're right, sorry folks, sorry Sweet One. I know I ain't got the world's best manners in spite of my wife workin' so hard ta drill some inta me."
Merle motions toward the sofa and as the Horvath's sit Dale smiles and nods, "No problem at all. I apologize that we've called so late, but there's a bit of a situation."
Merle has carried in a couple of kitchen chairs and he and Carol have seated themselves across from the visitors. Merle gives them a questioning look and says, "I'm all ears."
Dale Horvath is used to dealing with people of all types. He was a merchant for many years, and for the past several years he's run a house full of men. He's seen his share of coarse ones but he's never met anyone quite like Merle Dixon. It's as if the man is doing his best to present a friendly demeanor, and yet anyone speaking to him must surely worry that if they should happen to utter the wrong word, they'll be soundly pummeled.
Still the visitor smiles and tells the man and his wife why they've come.
By the time he's stated the reason for the call, including the story of the accident that befell their hired girl, and he's explained the sort of help they need, Merle Dixon's antenna have gone up, "Wait a minute now, this hired girl, she ain't the woman named Beth is she?"
Dale responds, "Why yes, Beth." And he asks because at this point anything seems possible, "Have you met her?"
Merle's on his feet and his tone is sharper, "No, we ain't had that pleasure but we heard about her. You say she's gonna be alright but what about my brother? How's he holdin' up? He's got some feelins for that girl." Before they can answer he turns to his wife and says, "Maybe I best go check on little brother."
The Horvaths have just witnessed the still rough, but also caring and concerned side of the boarder's brother. Dale assures the man, "Daryl's fine. We had dinner with him before we left and we had a good talk. He's with Beth now."
"So you're the folks who didn't want the hired girl fallin' in love with a boarder, but now ya talked ta little brother and decided he might be good enough after all, is that about right?"
Dale answers with a smile, "I never thought of your brother as anything but a fine young man. But yes, we've discouraged the help from mingling with the boarders, however, we see now we made a mistake and we are no longer inclined to interfere."
Merle nods, "Ya made the right decision. Daryl's as good or better'n any man, that's a fact." Then he gets to their proposition as his eyebrows furrow and he rubs his chin, "I'm real sorry for your trouble but my wife ain't got time for all that work. She's got her own family ta care for right here, me and our daughter Sophia."
The Horvath's hearts sink, the man of the family has spoken and that seems to be the end of it. But no. Carol Dixon stands and says, "Please excuse us for a few minutes, my husband and I are going to have a word in the other room. We'll be back shortly."
Merle doesn't question her, he knows he must be in trouble over something and he doesn't want to make things any worse. They go to their room and Carol tells him, "I want this job Merle. I want to earn a little money so I can help us save for our own place, just like we talked about." She smiles when she admits, "And I wouldn't mind having a new dress or two."
He's a man who believes providing for the family is his job, "I can take care a my family Carol, don't ya trust me ta do that? I know my wallet's been a little thin lately but we'll be better off in a few weeks. Then I'll buy ya all the dresses ya want, and we'll find us a nice place with a room for Sophia."
She smiles, she understands just who she's married to. She lays her hand on his cheek and says, "Merle, you've done everything for us. Without you, me and Sophia would likely be dead by now. But why should you have to carry the burden alone? I want to do my part too."
"This apartment is very nice but we agreed we wanted our own home, and it would be so nice for Sophia to have a room of her own. Anyway, I think I have the time to work for them and still take good care of you and Sophia." She's standing so close when she smiles and says, "Please let me take this job Merle. I won't do it forever, just for a while. As soon as we've got some money put back I'll quit, I promise."
He tries to sound angry when he says, "Ya know you ain't fightin' fair Sweet One. And dammit, what about the man bein' the king of the castle? Whatever he wants that's how things are gonna be. How bout that? Didn't anyone teach ya that Carol?"
Once he gets that out of his system he has her in his arms kissing her, and then he says, "Alright, if it means so much to ya, but two things I want ya ta know. I ain't happy about it and I expect ya ta quit when we get a little ahead. I won't be the kinda man that lets his wife pay the bills."
She's smiling, "You're the best kind of man Merle. The best man I've ever known. In fact, when the Horvaths leave and Sophia's down for the night I might just show you how good I think you are."
He tries to look tough but his smile's showing through. He takes her in his arms again, kisses her, gives her bottom a squeeze and says, "Ya know, you can be a little bossy, but your sassy side makes up for it."
They return to the front room and the two couples begin to iron out how they can make this arrangement work. They have to accommodate Carol's need to care for Sophia, as well as care for her own home and family, while also giving Erma and Dale the help they need.
When all is said and done it's agreed, Carol will be there enough hours a day to do all the cleaning, set the table for dinner, and do all the baking. She'll also help with the dinner preparations, but she won't eat dinner with them. Dale will pick Sophia up from school at 3pm and help her with her studies, before taking Carol and Sophia home at 4:30.
One other big decision Dale has made is all the linens will now go to the laundry service. No more washing and ironing at home. To Erma's shock, and relief, he also states, "I'll be the one to do the dinner dishes, it won't take me nearly as long as it takes you or Beth."
Erma can't help being a bit skeptical, "We'll see if you do as thorough a job as me or Beth."
It's going to be a lot more work for Erma, and a lot more work and expense for Dale, but choices are limited.
By the time the Horvaths return home it's well after eight o'clock. They should have been in bed by now, tomorrow's the start of their new routine. Erma won't have any help until Merle drops Carol off at the boarding house at 7:30. Breakfast will be over and most of the men will already be gone.
The Horvaths enter through the side door, then the door that leads to the main house. They stop at Beth's room and Erma quietly opens the door to check on her young patient. She's so stunned by what she sees she's unable to speak, and Dale looks in to see what's got her in such a state.
Laying there in the bed is poor Beth looking like she's been beaten half to death, with the boarder cuddled up next to her and holding on like his own life depends on it.
Erma has found her voice and she's just about to have a fit, but Dale quietly shuts Beth's door and whispers to his wife, "Not now Dear One. They're sound asleep. I'll have a talk with him tomorrow. For now those two are just plain worn out and he isn't going to bother her or hurt her."
He can't help chuckling when he adds, "Besides, they both have all their clothes on." He kisses her head, winks and asks, "Don't you remember how it was when we were young and love was new? You couldn't keep your hands off me."
She pushes at his chest with an open palm, "Dale Horvath, you old stinker. That's not the way I remember it at all. I recall you were the one who couldn't keep your hands off me."
He's still chuckling when he says, "Maybe we couldn't keep our hands off each other."
00
Something wakes Daryl and he glances at the clock, 3:45 am. There's a sound and at first he's a little disoriented. Then everything that's happened comes rushing back to him and he realizes the sound he hears is Beth's quiet crying. Instantly he feels that hurt in his heart and he can't bear the sight of her tears, or the the pained expression on her face. He gently cups her cheek and asks, "Sweetheart, ya okay?"
"I…everything hurts so much Daryl. Everything," and a ragged sob escapes her.
He feels the desperation of wanting to take her pain away and yet knowing he's powerless. He understands all too well the kind of physical pain she's in. He's had his share of broken bones, split lips, welts and bruises, and he'd happily take all of it on again if it meant she wouldn't have this pain. He presses his forehead to hers and whispers, "Ah Beth, I'm so sorry. Did the doc give ya sumthin' for it? Some medicine? Pills of some kind?"
"Yes, there's a tincture of something. I think Miss Erma put it in the medicine cabinet." Her voice has that crying tremble to it and it's still so weak and fragile he feels his heart break again, and he doesn't think he'll ever recover from the pain of seeing Beth in pain.
It seems to her like he's flown off the bed he's up so fast, and he's talking as he's walking toward the door, "Lemme get that for ya, I'll be right back."
The first thing he has to do is relieve himself, he makes it fast, washes his hands and finds the tincture in the cabinet. He's known a drug addict for as long as he can remember so he takes the time to read the bottle. Just as he suspected, laudanum. They may as well have given her straight morphine.
He takes the bottle and hurries to the kitchen, getting her a slice of bread from the box and a glass of water from the tap.
He sets the water glass on the bedside table and slips his arm under her, gently raising her up so he can give her a dose of the tincture. Before he does he tells her, "Eat a little bit a this bread, even if it's just one or two bites." She struggles with it, feeling too sick to eat, but he worries she'll feel worse if she takes it on an empty stomach.
When the bread is down and he's given her the medicine he promises, "It's gonna quiet the pain right down."
She closes her eyes and he lays her back on the pillow, not sure what he should do next so he simply waits, kneeling beside the bed and watching her. It's only a minute or two later when she starts to speak, "Daryl…I…" and she goes quiet.
He's once again overcome with that desperate feeling of wanting to do something for her and not knowing what that hell that could be, so he offers, "What Sweetheart? Tell me what ya need, I'll do whatever ya ask."
She has to tell him, she's feeling her own desperation, "I need…Daryl I need," The drugs help her nerves a little, she's just so embarrassed she could die. It will be far worse if she doesn't take care of this, "I need the toilet."
He doesn't appear to be nearly as mortified by this situation as she is, "Okay, I can help ya in there."
Then she gets honest about it, "I'm not sure I can walk, and I don't think I'll be able to pull my…get my…I don't think I can…"
"Get your pants down, I got it." Now he's feeling as mortified as Beth, but he continues to act as though it's nothing out of the ordinary, "I can help ya with that, and I ain't gotta look."
She doesn't have time to protest and he doesn't add anything further. He simply slides his arms under her and picks her up, cradling her as he holds her body close to his and says, "I love ya Beth and ya don't need ta be embarrassed. Please, just trust me."
She's longed to hear him tell her he loves her. She's yearned to tell him the same, but she did not imagine those words being said in a setting quite like this. She dreamed the exchange would be far more romantic. Still, even through her physical pain and her embarrassment she smiles and tells him, "I love you too Daryl and I'm so blessed to have you here."
Why did he wait to tell her those words? He finally admitted to himself he was in love with her, he just didn't know what was the right time or place to tell her such a thing, and now it's this terrible time and place. Not exactly any romance too it, but it's hard for him to care about all that because she said it back to him.
He stops long enough to kiss her and say, "I'm sorry Beth, sorry I was a jerk, sorry this happened and so sorry you're hurtin'. I just been tryin' ta think about better times when this is all behind us." She does her best to smile and he smiles when he adds, "Right now though, we got some important business ta take care of."
She closes her eyes and chides him, "Stop Daryl." But he sees the faint smile or her lips and he's glad he could put one there.
He pushes the bathroom door open with his hip, and once inside quietly eases it shut with his knee. He walks her over close to the toilet and asks, "If I get your gown pulled up can ya hold it up?"
"Yes, I'm sure I can."
"K, well once we get ya sittin' ya won't have ta hold it up no more. He slowly and gently sets her on her feet with her back to the toilet, and as close to it as he can get her. She keeps her eyes closed and he does his best not to look as she rests her good hand on his shoulder for balance and he lifts the hem of her gown.
He's relieved to have that part done without mishap, and he's glad she seems to be able to keep the gown up, but now comes the tougher part for both of them. "I ain't gonna look, I promise." He does his best to keep his word and keep his eyes averted as he reaches for the waistband of her undergarment, gently tugging it down.
The worst part is what he sees while being so careful to keep his eyes down, and to not look at her underpants or her nakedness. It's her legs he's focused on. They're so battered, he's never seen worse. There's bruising that's begun to turn a deep purple, but also burns from the carpet and scrapes and cuts that must have come from the Vacuette. No wonder she's in pain, and again he wishes he could take that pain from her.
When he feels he's got the garment to her knees he wraps his strong arms around her waist and gently guides her into a sitting position. "Okay now, ya steady?"
"Yes, yes I'm fine."
"Alright, I'ma go ta the sink and wash up, that'll give ya some time, holler if ya need me." He's worried about the drugs she took and he reminds her, "Don't ya try any moves on your own. Don't ya dare try ta stand, alright? Promise."
She knows this has been as tough and as awkward for him as it has been for her, and she's frankly amazed he was willing to do this for her, "Yes, I promise, and thank you Daryl."
He feels the heat of embarrassment on his face but as he walks toward the sink he answers, "I told ya, I'll do anythin' I can for ya Beth." He turns both handles on the faucet to make noise and give her privacy, then decides what the hell, he has to clean up for work anyway and now's as good a time as any. Without turning toward her he asks, "Washcloth?"
"Top drawer."
"Thanks."
She's done, but she's not telling him that. She's too curious.
He's got a tank style undershirt on that hides most everything pretty well, so he's not worried about her seeing his scars without being prepared. He unfastens the buckle loops on the overalls and lets down the straps, the buttons at his waist prevent the garment from falling further. He unbuttons his work shirt and removes it, hanging it from the doorknob.
All the while her eyes are glued on him, especially what she can see of his back and the backs of his arms. There is so much raised, red and scared flesh, she knows the marks had to have been caused by a strapping, a beating she's certain he didn't deserve. There's something else she can see, part of a tattoo is peeking out from the top and armhole of his undershirt. A tattoo. She's heard many former soldiers have them, she just didn't know he had one.
The thing she notices most of all is his strong masculine build. Even in her broken and pained state she finds everything about his appearance tantalizing. She's known for a while how large and strong his arms are, and how broad and manly his shoulders and chest are. She could tell when he held her. But seeing them bare like this, why it almost takes her breath away.
She continues to focus on his body and how it moves while he washes his face, the back of his neck, behind his ears and under those impressive arms. The last thing he does is wash his hands again. She almost let's out a disappointed sigh as he pulls the work shirt back on, buttons it and pulls the straps of the overalls over his shoulders.
As he's buckling the overalls she faintly calls to him, "Daryl, whenever you're ready." And now they complete the earlier process in reverse. Once her underpants are up and her gown is down he reaches behind her, pulls the chain to flush the toilet and puts down the lid.
He helps her to sit on the lid and offers, "Ya want me ta get a cloth and wash your face n hands for ya n stuff?"
She never would have asked and she's so happy he offered, "Oh yes please, and I wish I could brush my teeth too. My cup is the green one on the dresser, my toothbrush and a can of toothpowder are in it."
He's so careful and he's taking such wonderful care of her, when all is done she tells him, "Thank you very much Daryl, I feel better by a mile. You've been so good to me and such a gentleman."
He doesn't accept praise easily but her words bring a thankful smile to his lips as he says, "That's good Sweetheart, now let's get ya back ta bed." He's gentle and cautious as once again he picks her up in his arms and cradles her small body close to his.
They get only as far as the bathroom door when it opens and there stands Mrs. Horvath in her dressing gown. All three are speechless for a moment, and then in a stern and frosty voice the woman asks, "Just what in the world is going on here?"
To the woman's surprise, and Daryl's as well, it's Beth who in a weak voice but with a tone as though it's as common as bread and butter, replies, "I had to use the toilet and I didn't want to wake you, so Daryl was good enough to help me. He also washed my hands and face for me and helped me brush my teeth."
Daryl's still standing there in the bathroom doorway with his Sweetheart in his arms. He figures he's in for a tongue-lashing from Mrs. Horvath, so he quickly says, "I'ma put Beth back in her bed now, then I'll talk with ya."
Mrs. Horvath can't quite think of the words to respond, a million thoughts are swimming around in her head. She simply nods and hurries to use the bathroom herself. She doesn't want to be thinking about having to do that when she has a word with him.
Beth can't help but marvel at how calm and controlled Daryl is, but the truth of the matter is she's simply not aware of how worried and anxious her Sweetheart is, how his stomach churns or the pain he feels seeing her in pain. He's doing a very good job of acting composed.
She's also quite amazed with the gentleness of the man who at one time she thought was so rough. Now she just thinks he's the best and most handsome fellow in the world, and also the man she now knows she loves more than anything.
He's so careful as he lays her in the bed and fluffs her pillow. He carefully lifts her casted leg and then her casted hand to rest them on the pillows, and gently smooths the hair from her face as he bends down, kisses her softly and says, "Rest now, it'll help ya get better Beth." And as if on command, she's out like a light.
He walks back out to the hall just as Mrs. Horvath exits the bathroom, and Mr. Horvath enters the hall from their room. Miss Erma's ready with a lecture on propriety, but she doesn't get a chance to speak before her husband says to Daryl, "Thank you for suggesting your sister in law. She seems like a real nice lady and more than capable. She'll be starting work here at 7:30 this morning."
Daryl asks, "So you was able ta get passed my brother, huh?"
Dale chuckles, answering, "He's everything you said he is, and I quite enjoyed getting to know him a little."
Erma still doesn't get a word in as Daryl nods and says, "Well that's good ta know, I'm glad y'all got along and I'm real glad Carol's gonna start workin' for ya." Then he turns to the woman and adds, "Miz Horvath, I just wanna say, it ain't an easy thing helpin' Beth in the bathroom and such. Ya might wanna let Carol do all that when she's here. My sister in law is built small but she's as strong as most men."
He's already taken the wind out of the woman's sails when he adds, "Beth's been in a lotta pain and she's been cryin' over it and such. I gave her a dose of the tincture in the medicine cabinet at four this mornin', it helped a lot."
He's thought about the best way to bring it up. He doesn't want her taking it for too long, but he doesn't want to get into the things he's seen, "That medicine, it's morphine. I sure wouldn't wanna take a chance of Beth gettin' addicted. Whaddya think about after these first 24 hours we don't give her no more? Maybe just some Aspirin."
Erma admits, "I didn't realize, I guess I didn't read the label. I agree, let's not let our sweet Beth get caught in that trap."
He doesn't let his relief show but he's feeling reassured. He's seen a couple of his army buddies and his own brother have to come off that stuff, he knows the pain.
"K well she's sleepin' now so I'ma run upstairs and finish gettin' ready for work. See y'all in a while."
When he's out of sight and out of earshot Miss Erma admits to her husband, "I have never been more wrong about a person than I've been about him."
Daryl's anxious to get back to her. Once in his room he hurries to put on fresh socks and a clean work shirt, makes a fast trip to the bathroom to comb his hair as best he can, grabs his cap and his work jacket and is just shutting the door to his room when he sees the men have gathered and are asking questions.
He gives them the short version of what happened and tells them about his sister in law coming to help. Then, if there was an ounce of doubt left among the men, he puts it to rest, "I'ma get back ta Beth now. I'll see you fellas at breakfast, and thanks for worryin' about us."
"Us." He realizes he said, "Us." Yeah, if he has anything to say about it that's the way it's gonna be from now on. Us, him and Beth together forever.
He's back in her room and sitting on the floor by her bed, watching her sleep. That's where he'll remain until it's time for breakfast. After he's eaten his meal he doesn't think twice, he knows Miss Erma's on her own for now so he picks up his dishes and the empty platter that held the bread and takes them to the kitchen, on his way to Beth.
The other men take their cue from him, carrying their dishes to Miss Erma, "You gentleman are all so thoughtful, thank you so much. I'll see if I can't find the time to bake you a pie for tonight."
He waits until the last minute to leave for work, he's never had so much trouble saying goodbye to anyone. She's awake and her pretty blue eyes look so sad, but she smiles and tries to make a little joke when she asks, "What am I going to do without you here bothering me?"
He smiles back and says, "Probably gonna do better than I'm gonna do without you." He kisses her sweetly and his tone gets serious when he says, "You just rest today and heal up, that's your only job." Without thinking he follows up with the words, "I love ya, remember that."
It doesn't matter how weak her voice is, her words have power over him, "I love you and you remember that."
Erma's just finishing the morning clean up when Carol arrives. She gives her new helper a quick rundown of their daily and weekly routine, followed by a more complete explanation of what happened to Beth. Then she tells her about the extra care Beth will need the next few days, "Daryl thinks it's best if you take care of helping her to the bathroom and such, he says you're strong enough."
Carol nods, "I'm sure I am. Can I meet her now?"
"Oh my goodness Carol, I'm so sorry. I hadn't even thought about the fact you two might not know each other."
Beth's awake when they walk in the room and right away the younger woman smiles and asks, "Are you Carol?"
Carol smiles back as she walks closer to the bed, "Yes, I'm your new family. I want you to know I'm going to help you with whatever you need help with Beth." Then she shares a tiny bit of herself, "I know how much it hurts to be badly injured. I was once pushed down a flight of stairs, but I promise you, the healing will happen and it won't take too long. You'll feel just fine real soon."
Beth and Miss Erma are both too polite to ask but Carol sees the concern in their eyes and quickly clarifies, "Not by Merle Dixon. He may be a gruff old so n so, but he would never lay on hand on me in anger. In fact, he's the reason I no longer have to be concerned that anyone will ever hurt me again."
That afternoon as Carol prepares to leave for home Erma realizes she's not had the hard day she thought she would. Carol has definitely proven herself to her new employer. The woman is pleased to see Carol doesn't shy away from work, and Daryl's right, she's as strong as most men. She's also nearly as good a baker as Beth. There are five loaves of bread baked, and by agreement Carol will take one loaf for her own family.
She's also made a breakfast casserole for the following morning, telling Erma, "It's better when it sits overnight, it will be ready to bake when you're ready, just give it about 30 minutes in the oven."
Before Dale takes them home Erma smiles and tells the woman, "You're a special blessing Carol. I'm so grateful you agreed to come work with us," She looks at the little girl and adds, "And I've so enjoyed having you here Sophia. You're a delightful child."
The only thing that prevents Daryl from driving home faster is he doesn't want a citation. He can't be spending his money on such as that. He's got a house to finish painting and furniture to buy.
He hurries in the side door, bounds up the stairs and washes up for dinner in record time. Then he's tapping softly on Beth's door and letting himself in. He hurries to her and kneels down by the bed, leaning in and kissing her sweet lips, "Tell me how ya done today Sweetheart."
That's how it goes every day for the rest of the week, they crave their time together not just to talk, but even to just simply be together quietly while she rests and he reads, and every day they're sure they fall deeper and deeper in love.
He doesn't want to work on his place Saturday because he doesn't want to leave her, but she insists, "Daryl, you won't have anything to do all day but sit and stare at me. My gosh, you'll be bored to tears. I'll be just fine with Miss Erma and Mister Dale and even Carol will be here for a while this morning. She and Sophia are going to come early to lend a hand with the food for the Sunday meal. I'll have lots of company."
He's reluctant but he goes because he wants to get the job done. He works hard all day, but he doesn't spend the night there. He leaves as soon as it begins to get dark, making a quick stop at a small diner to have a bite to eat before heading home to her.
It's the worst kind of surprise when he arrives and Mister Dale is waiting to tell him, "I'm sorry son, Beth's gone."
He's panicked, "Gone?! Whaddya mean she's gone?!"
"Erma wrote to the preacher's wife, maybe Beth's told you of her, a woman named Olivia."
"Yeah, she did."
"Well Olivia and her husband, Beth's former pastor, came to get her late this morning. It seems her father wants her home while she's recovering. We can't very well blame the man for that, can we?"
Daryl's defeated, "No sir, I guess we can't."
"I have heard the living conditions at her Uncle's place are quite poor, so the preacher and Miss Olivia will be caring for Beth in their home."
"Yeah? Well I'ma need ta get that address from ya Sir. I'll be drivin' over there tomorrow."
00
A/N So much going on. I hope you'll leave a comment. As always, the chapter photo is on my tumblr blogs gneebee and bethylmethbrick, please have a look. I'll be back next Friday with another chapter of The Stranger Upstairs, I hope you'll be here too. Oh, and mid-week I'll be posting a Thanksgiving short story. Until then stay safe and remember, I love ya large! xo