Danny and Beth watched in shock, as Rafe ran out of the diner. "Well…then…" he said uncomfortably staring at the table.
"Yeah…" Beth sighed, "Well, do you still want to eat? Or go after Rafe?"
"Nah, he looks like he needs some, alone time." Danny nodded, "Do you want to eat?"
"I asked you first." Beth smiled, trying to lighten the mood, "It's gonna be alright Danny."
"Are you sure?" Danny looked over at Beth, who didn't look all that certain.
"Not really, but I'm kinda sure, does that count?" Beth moved across the table and grabbed his hands, "This may sound kinda wrong, but I'm not sure about them, but I am so positive about us."
"What do you mean?"
"Look at all the odds stacked up against them, the Army, that fact that both of their parents hate, or really don't like the other one." Beth sighed and looked down, "Can we not talk about this?"
"What do you want to talk about then?"
"The wedding" Beth's face lit up, like the 4th of July.
"Alright…how are we gonna pull this off?" Danny sat back at stared at Beth.
"You know Judge Crabtree? He owes me a favor…" Beth smiled mischievously.
"What kinda favor does he owe you?" Danny replied.
"Well, do you remember that Christmas party my dad had last year?"
"Yeah, so?"
"Well, I was getting ready for bed, after you had left, and I heard these noises from the room over, and I thought it was Rafe and Rosie jokin' and I walked in and it was Judge Crabtree and his secretary." Beth explained.
"What?"
"So I figure, he can secretly marry us, if I don't tell his wife, or continue to not tell his wife."
"How do you know he wont just tell your dad?" Danny asked.
"I don't." Beth sighed, "But I do have really good persuasive techniques."
"And when?"
"You are so full of questions…you asked me, you shoulda figured this out." Beth scolded playfully, "After I turn 18, July 9th. So, I'm a legal adult and I don't have to go through my parents."
"How rebellious Elizabeth Sullivan, I mean Elizabeth Walker." Danny smirked kissing her hand. "You planned this out well."
"Yeah, did I tell you I have to get a job?" Beth groaned.
Danny couldn't help but laugh, "You? Have a job?"
"Funny. No really, my dad got it for me, to teach me responsibility." Beth smirked, "I'm responsible."
"Where are you workin'?"
"I'm workin' on a farm pickin' corn." Beth lied, and watched Danny's eyes open wide and his jaw drop, "I'm jokin'! I'm workin' at the store, as a cashier. I personally don't see how bagging groceries and takin' people's money will make me responsible."
"Sure, its good experience." Danny squeezed her hand.
"I know, and I'll have money in a month to buy you a ring." Beth smiled shyly.
"Beth, you know I don't need any ring." Danny blushed.
"Sure you do. I need to let the world know Danny Walker is taken." Beth teased.
"Why don't you just collar me then?" Danny teased back, "Ready?"
"Yeah." Beth picked up her purse, and grabbed hold of Danny's hand, but as usual, they ran right into Bobby and Johnny. Bobby's face was all swollen.
"Beth." Johnny blushed, "Danny."
"Hi Johnny." Beth looked down at the ground, and squeezed Danny's hand. "Hi Bobby."
"Hey…" he replied in a muffled voice.
"We heard about Rosie and Rafe." Johnny laughed, "I heard her dad went wild in here like 20 minutes ago."
"I don't think its that funny, do you Johnny?" Beth lowered him with her eyes, making Danny laugh, "Not as funny as what Rosie pulled last night."
"C'mon now Beth. Good seein' you guys." Danny lied and pulled her outside. "Out of no where, you've just gotten the smartest mouth known to man."
"Is that bad?" Beth asked, looking Danny in the eye.
"Nah, just don't pull it with me." Danny laughed, kissing her, "What do you wanna do? The night is young."
"You're choice, we always do what I want to."
"Alright, we probably should go check on Rafe, this isn't his day."
"Is he at his house?" Beth asked.
"Nah, he's probably at Huddy's." Danny said referring to the bar on the edge of town.
"Huddy's?" Beth repeated, "You want to go there?"
"Just for a couple of minutes, make sure he's alright." Danny smiled, "C'mon." And he led her in the direction of the bar.
Sure enough, Rafe was in Huddy's. He sat at the bar, with a drink, of course. He didn't look in the best of shape.
"Rafe, how's it goin?" Danny sat down next to his friend.
"How the hell do you think?" Rafe replied bitterly gulping down the rest of his drink, it was obvious he had, had a few.
"Not that great…" Danny sighed.
"Let me try." Beth whispered, "Rafe, do you wanna talk about it?"
"Not particularly, why is she here?"
Beth looked hurt, "He's a rotten drunk, don't worry." Danny whispered, "Nothin, we're just worried about you two."
"I got a grand idea, lets have a toast. To the engaged couple!" Rafe stumbled over his words, "Marty, get me 3 shots of Jack. You do drink Jack Mrs. Walker?"
"Say yes." Danny whispered.
"Of course I do Rafe." Beth answered nervously.
"Alright then." Rafe handed out the shots, "To you two, for never getting caught doin' anything. And to Beth, for takin' my best buddy Danny from me. You're a doll. And of course, on your engagement." Rafe took the shot, and so did Danny. Beth just stood there with the shot in her hand a tears welling up in her eyes. "You know Beth, where I come from, when someone raises a toast to you and you don't drink that's sayin' somethin'."
"Do it Beth." Danny nudged her.
Beth sighed, and brought the glass to her lips, and downed the liquor. "Can I make one?"
Danny looked at her shock, "Honey, you don't need to do that."
Beth, being a lightweight, the liquor ran straight through her, "Sure I do, Rafe was nice enough to make us one."
"Let her Danny, I would love to hear what she has to say." Rafe handed out more shots, "Lets hear it Beth."
"Well, where ever do I start? To Rafe, for leaving the door unlocked this morning, and for leaving in a couple months, and breaking Rosie's heart in the process." Beth downed the liquor, leaving Danny and Rafe in shock. "You know boys, by you not drinkin' that says somethin'."
Quickly, Danny downed his shot, and grabbed Beth by the waist, "I think we've checked on Rafe enough. I'll see you at home man."
"Beth, that was harsh." Danny laughed holding her hand to keep her steady.
"And his wasn't?" Beth replied, losing her balance, she couldn't hold her liquor all that well.
"Well, when Rafe gets drunk, he's a jerk, but you…" Danny laughed.
"Is he mad?" Beth asked quietly.
"Now, yeah, but he wont remember tomorrow." Danny laughed again.
"Where are we goin'?" Beth asked.
"We're goin to put you in bed, before you do any other stupid things." Danny led her down the road, stopping to hug her every once in a while, when people passed by them.
"Oh good, I am kind of dizzy." Beth giggled, "That's the first time I've ever drank."
"I know…" Danny laughed at her, finally they were on the steps of her house, "Is your dad home?"
"Nope! He's in Memphis." Beth giggled collapsing into the porch swing.
"Do you want me to get Daisy?" Danny sat down, and Beth jumped on his lap, she was pretty buzzed.
"No…" Beth nuzzled his neck, "You can come in, and Daisy doesn't care."
"I mean to put you to bed, baby you need some sleep." Danny kissed her cheek, "C'mon." and he led her in the house, and up to her room, "What do you sleep in?"
"Umm…" Beth stumbled over to her drawers and pulled out a pair of men's pajama pants, "These are the most comfortable pants."
Danny turned around while she changed, "Are you ready for bed?"
"Uh-huh…" Beth lay down, "Will you stay here until I'm asleep?"
Danny looked at how innocent she looked just laying there, "Of course I will."
Beth held up the comforter and Danny took off his boots and laid next to her, "Two nights in a row…you lucky guy." Beth whispered.
"Shh…" Danny whispered rubbing her back, "Get some sleep."
"You know" Beth whispered, " I like it when you're here with me."
"Me too…" Danny whispered back, "Go to sleep ok?"
"Are you gonna be here when I wake up?" Beth whispered half asleep.
"You know I would love to, but I cant." Danny laughed quietly, kissing her forehead, "I love you Elizabeth Sullivan."
"Don't you mean Walker?" Beth giggled, "I love you Danny."
And like he promised, he stayed there until she was sound asleep.
Danny was already sound asleep in his own bed when he heard Rafe stumble up the steep stairs to their room.
"Rafe what the hell time is it?" He asked groggily
"I think it's like 2 A.M. Danny go back to sleep." Rafe managed before collapsing to his bed
"Oh no you don't McCawley sit your ass up and listen to me." Danny said in a hushed but stern way.
"Danny I got a headache can we talk tomorrow?"
"No we're gonna talk now. What the hell was all that about tonight? I don't care how you treat your girls Rafe but don't you ever talk to mine the way you did tonight."
"Whatever Danny."
"No not whatever Danny, look I know you must be busted up inside bout not be able
to see Rosie. If you want to go out and get drunk to take your mind off things knock yourself out. Catch me in the right mood I might even go with you, but don't you ever treat Beth like you just did or me either for that matter."
A few minutes later Danny recognized the gagging sound from the other side of the room and knew Rafe was puking.
"Hope you're satisfied." He stated rolling over and going back to sleep.
Rosie wasn't sitting on the steps before school the next day like usual, but Beth was waiting for her future husband. Sunglasses and all
"Morning honey." She whispered
"What's the matter hung over are we?" Rafe scoffed
"Don't worry about it babe he threw up last night." Danny put his arm around her and the headed into the building.
"Has Rosie been here?" Rafe asked Beth not knowing how long she'd been on the steps.
"Yeah she's here." Beth tossed her hair still sore about the scene Rafe caused the night before.
The halls were already crowded and the noise was ear piercing as they walked threw the building. "Hey McCawley." Rafe turned to see Johnny standing with the rest of the foot ball team
"What is Johnny?" Rafe asked hotly
"Don't worry about Rosie, I'll take care of her." He smirked and Rafe charged him. Leaving a matching bruise to the one the Bobby wore.
"If you ever put your hands on her Porter I swear to god, I will rip out your heart and feed it to you."
"Let's go Rafe 'fore you get in trouble." Danny grabbed his arms and tugged Rafe down the hall.
Rosie slumped into her seat near Rafe in Biology it was the first time he'd seen her all day. He wanted to get out of his chair wrap his arms around her and kiss her passionately, promising they'd get through this. But he didn't he just sat there biting his finger.
"God she's beautiful." He thought. When the bell rang he waited for her out side the class room and she almost walked right by him.
"Rosie talk to me." Rafe stepped along side of her.
"Rafe I can't do this, I don't even want to look at you if I can't have you." She turned her wavy brown hair bouncing as she tried to get away.
"You can have me, we belong together, I'm not letting anything pull us apart."
"My uncle is going to arrest you Rafe." Rosie swallowed the lump that had formed in her throat
"How?"
"You're 19 I'm 17 and my father is pressing charges if we're caught together." Her almond shaped eyes welled up.
"Then tell him to come find me, Ro I'd rather be in jail for being with you then free and not have you."
"You'll always have me Rafe, just not with you." Rosie kissed his cheek and ran off down the hall, salty tears pouring down her face.
The sheriff's cruiser was waiting outside when Rosie exited the building and Rafe who had been hot of her heals stopped short.
"Hi uncle Arthur." She gulped the tears
"Did you talk to that McCawley boy today?" The sheriff leaned over and opened the door to her.
"No." She answered getting and closing the door. Leaving Rafe to watch them as they drove away.
"Yeah…" Beth sighed, "Well, do you still want to eat? Or go after Rafe?"
"Nah, he looks like he needs some, alone time." Danny nodded, "Do you want to eat?"
"I asked you first." Beth smiled, trying to lighten the mood, "It's gonna be alright Danny."
"Are you sure?" Danny looked over at Beth, who didn't look all that certain.
"Not really, but I'm kinda sure, does that count?" Beth moved across the table and grabbed his hands, "This may sound kinda wrong, but I'm not sure about them, but I am so positive about us."
"What do you mean?"
"Look at all the odds stacked up against them, the Army, that fact that both of their parents hate, or really don't like the other one." Beth sighed and looked down, "Can we not talk about this?"
"What do you want to talk about then?"
"The wedding" Beth's face lit up, like the 4th of July.
"Alright…how are we gonna pull this off?" Danny sat back at stared at Beth.
"You know Judge Crabtree? He owes me a favor…" Beth smiled mischievously.
"What kinda favor does he owe you?" Danny replied.
"Well, do you remember that Christmas party my dad had last year?"
"Yeah, so?"
"Well, I was getting ready for bed, after you had left, and I heard these noises from the room over, and I thought it was Rafe and Rosie jokin' and I walked in and it was Judge Crabtree and his secretary." Beth explained.
"What?"
"So I figure, he can secretly marry us, if I don't tell his wife, or continue to not tell his wife."
"How do you know he wont just tell your dad?" Danny asked.
"I don't." Beth sighed, "But I do have really good persuasive techniques."
"And when?"
"You are so full of questions…you asked me, you shoulda figured this out." Beth scolded playfully, "After I turn 18, July 9th. So, I'm a legal adult and I don't have to go through my parents."
"How rebellious Elizabeth Sullivan, I mean Elizabeth Walker." Danny smirked kissing her hand. "You planned this out well."
"Yeah, did I tell you I have to get a job?" Beth groaned.
Danny couldn't help but laugh, "You? Have a job?"
"Funny. No really, my dad got it for me, to teach me responsibility." Beth smirked, "I'm responsible."
"Where are you workin'?"
"I'm workin' on a farm pickin' corn." Beth lied, and watched Danny's eyes open wide and his jaw drop, "I'm jokin'! I'm workin' at the store, as a cashier. I personally don't see how bagging groceries and takin' people's money will make me responsible."
"Sure, its good experience." Danny squeezed her hand.
"I know, and I'll have money in a month to buy you a ring." Beth smiled shyly.
"Beth, you know I don't need any ring." Danny blushed.
"Sure you do. I need to let the world know Danny Walker is taken." Beth teased.
"Why don't you just collar me then?" Danny teased back, "Ready?"
"Yeah." Beth picked up her purse, and grabbed hold of Danny's hand, but as usual, they ran right into Bobby and Johnny. Bobby's face was all swollen.
"Beth." Johnny blushed, "Danny."
"Hi Johnny." Beth looked down at the ground, and squeezed Danny's hand. "Hi Bobby."
"Hey…" he replied in a muffled voice.
"We heard about Rosie and Rafe." Johnny laughed, "I heard her dad went wild in here like 20 minutes ago."
"I don't think its that funny, do you Johnny?" Beth lowered him with her eyes, making Danny laugh, "Not as funny as what Rosie pulled last night."
"C'mon now Beth. Good seein' you guys." Danny lied and pulled her outside. "Out of no where, you've just gotten the smartest mouth known to man."
"Is that bad?" Beth asked, looking Danny in the eye.
"Nah, just don't pull it with me." Danny laughed, kissing her, "What do you wanna do? The night is young."
"You're choice, we always do what I want to."
"Alright, we probably should go check on Rafe, this isn't his day."
"Is he at his house?" Beth asked.
"Nah, he's probably at Huddy's." Danny said referring to the bar on the edge of town.
"Huddy's?" Beth repeated, "You want to go there?"
"Just for a couple of minutes, make sure he's alright." Danny smiled, "C'mon." And he led her in the direction of the bar.
Sure enough, Rafe was in Huddy's. He sat at the bar, with a drink, of course. He didn't look in the best of shape.
"Rafe, how's it goin?" Danny sat down next to his friend.
"How the hell do you think?" Rafe replied bitterly gulping down the rest of his drink, it was obvious he had, had a few.
"Not that great…" Danny sighed.
"Let me try." Beth whispered, "Rafe, do you wanna talk about it?"
"Not particularly, why is she here?"
Beth looked hurt, "He's a rotten drunk, don't worry." Danny whispered, "Nothin, we're just worried about you two."
"I got a grand idea, lets have a toast. To the engaged couple!" Rafe stumbled over his words, "Marty, get me 3 shots of Jack. You do drink Jack Mrs. Walker?"
"Say yes." Danny whispered.
"Of course I do Rafe." Beth answered nervously.
"Alright then." Rafe handed out the shots, "To you two, for never getting caught doin' anything. And to Beth, for takin' my best buddy Danny from me. You're a doll. And of course, on your engagement." Rafe took the shot, and so did Danny. Beth just stood there with the shot in her hand a tears welling up in her eyes. "You know Beth, where I come from, when someone raises a toast to you and you don't drink that's sayin' somethin'."
"Do it Beth." Danny nudged her.
Beth sighed, and brought the glass to her lips, and downed the liquor. "Can I make one?"
Danny looked at her shock, "Honey, you don't need to do that."
Beth, being a lightweight, the liquor ran straight through her, "Sure I do, Rafe was nice enough to make us one."
"Let her Danny, I would love to hear what she has to say." Rafe handed out more shots, "Lets hear it Beth."
"Well, where ever do I start? To Rafe, for leaving the door unlocked this morning, and for leaving in a couple months, and breaking Rosie's heart in the process." Beth downed the liquor, leaving Danny and Rafe in shock. "You know boys, by you not drinkin' that says somethin'."
Quickly, Danny downed his shot, and grabbed Beth by the waist, "I think we've checked on Rafe enough. I'll see you at home man."
"Beth, that was harsh." Danny laughed holding her hand to keep her steady.
"And his wasn't?" Beth replied, losing her balance, she couldn't hold her liquor all that well.
"Well, when Rafe gets drunk, he's a jerk, but you…" Danny laughed.
"Is he mad?" Beth asked quietly.
"Now, yeah, but he wont remember tomorrow." Danny laughed again.
"Where are we goin'?" Beth asked.
"We're goin to put you in bed, before you do any other stupid things." Danny led her down the road, stopping to hug her every once in a while, when people passed by them.
"Oh good, I am kind of dizzy." Beth giggled, "That's the first time I've ever drank."
"I know…" Danny laughed at her, finally they were on the steps of her house, "Is your dad home?"
"Nope! He's in Memphis." Beth giggled collapsing into the porch swing.
"Do you want me to get Daisy?" Danny sat down, and Beth jumped on his lap, she was pretty buzzed.
"No…" Beth nuzzled his neck, "You can come in, and Daisy doesn't care."
"I mean to put you to bed, baby you need some sleep." Danny kissed her cheek, "C'mon." and he led her in the house, and up to her room, "What do you sleep in?"
"Umm…" Beth stumbled over to her drawers and pulled out a pair of men's pajama pants, "These are the most comfortable pants."
Danny turned around while she changed, "Are you ready for bed?"
"Uh-huh…" Beth lay down, "Will you stay here until I'm asleep?"
Danny looked at how innocent she looked just laying there, "Of course I will."
Beth held up the comforter and Danny took off his boots and laid next to her, "Two nights in a row…you lucky guy." Beth whispered.
"Shh…" Danny whispered rubbing her back, "Get some sleep."
"You know" Beth whispered, " I like it when you're here with me."
"Me too…" Danny whispered back, "Go to sleep ok?"
"Are you gonna be here when I wake up?" Beth whispered half asleep.
"You know I would love to, but I cant." Danny laughed quietly, kissing her forehead, "I love you Elizabeth Sullivan."
"Don't you mean Walker?" Beth giggled, "I love you Danny."
And like he promised, he stayed there until she was sound asleep.
Danny was already sound asleep in his own bed when he heard Rafe stumble up the steep stairs to their room.
"Rafe what the hell time is it?" He asked groggily
"I think it's like 2 A.M. Danny go back to sleep." Rafe managed before collapsing to his bed
"Oh no you don't McCawley sit your ass up and listen to me." Danny said in a hushed but stern way.
"Danny I got a headache can we talk tomorrow?"
"No we're gonna talk now. What the hell was all that about tonight? I don't care how you treat your girls Rafe but don't you ever talk to mine the way you did tonight."
"Whatever Danny."
"No not whatever Danny, look I know you must be busted up inside bout not be able
to see Rosie. If you want to go out and get drunk to take your mind off things knock yourself out. Catch me in the right mood I might even go with you, but don't you ever treat Beth like you just did or me either for that matter."
A few minutes later Danny recognized the gagging sound from the other side of the room and knew Rafe was puking.
"Hope you're satisfied." He stated rolling over and going back to sleep.
Rosie wasn't sitting on the steps before school the next day like usual, but Beth was waiting for her future husband. Sunglasses and all
"Morning honey." She whispered
"What's the matter hung over are we?" Rafe scoffed
"Don't worry about it babe he threw up last night." Danny put his arm around her and the headed into the building.
"Has Rosie been here?" Rafe asked Beth not knowing how long she'd been on the steps.
"Yeah she's here." Beth tossed her hair still sore about the scene Rafe caused the night before.
The halls were already crowded and the noise was ear piercing as they walked threw the building. "Hey McCawley." Rafe turned to see Johnny standing with the rest of the foot ball team
"What is Johnny?" Rafe asked hotly
"Don't worry about Rosie, I'll take care of her." He smirked and Rafe charged him. Leaving a matching bruise to the one the Bobby wore.
"If you ever put your hands on her Porter I swear to god, I will rip out your heart and feed it to you."
"Let's go Rafe 'fore you get in trouble." Danny grabbed his arms and tugged Rafe down the hall.
Rosie slumped into her seat near Rafe in Biology it was the first time he'd seen her all day. He wanted to get out of his chair wrap his arms around her and kiss her passionately, promising they'd get through this. But he didn't he just sat there biting his finger.
"God she's beautiful." He thought. When the bell rang he waited for her out side the class room and she almost walked right by him.
"Rosie talk to me." Rafe stepped along side of her.
"Rafe I can't do this, I don't even want to look at you if I can't have you." She turned her wavy brown hair bouncing as she tried to get away.
"You can have me, we belong together, I'm not letting anything pull us apart."
"My uncle is going to arrest you Rafe." Rosie swallowed the lump that had formed in her throat
"How?"
"You're 19 I'm 17 and my father is pressing charges if we're caught together." Her almond shaped eyes welled up.
"Then tell him to come find me, Ro I'd rather be in jail for being with you then free and not have you."
"You'll always have me Rafe, just not with you." Rosie kissed his cheek and ran off down the hall, salty tears pouring down her face.
The sheriff's cruiser was waiting outside when Rosie exited the building and Rafe who had been hot of her heals stopped short.
"Hi uncle Arthur." She gulped the tears
"Did you talk to that McCawley boy today?" The sheriff leaned over and opened the door to her.
"No." She answered getting and closing the door. Leaving Rafe to watch them as they drove away.