"I'm gonna go now," Rafe kissed Rosie's cheek " We don't want to show up at the same time, people'll wonder."
"And I don't need my father to find out I'm aiding you guys in breaking the law. I'm a criminal thanks to you." Beth picked up her purse and held the door open for Rafe.
"Hey Beth I owe you." He stated walking past Beth and out he door
"At this rate McCawley you'll owe me your first born."
Rosie watched as Rafe vanished down the drive.
"I want to add to what Rafe said Beth, we wouldn't have been able to get together if it wasn't for you. You didn't have to risk your neck like you did, that really means a lot to me."
Beth just smiled
"That's what friends are for."
"Do the words never again mean anything to you?" Beth said setting her books down on a desk, she wasn't really mad at Rafe and Rosie; she was just terrified of being caught.
"Beth…calm down." Danny tried to calm her, but it wasn't working.
"Accessory to the crime?" Beth said taking a seat at her desk in English, "I'm not sure if this is a felony or a misdemeanor…"
"Beth, you cant be an accessory, because they weren't caught, its done." Danny took his seat 3 behind Beth, "Just quit over reacting."
"Over reacting? Please Danny…" Beth snapped, and she leaned up and whispered, "It wasn't your tail on the line. My father would have killed me, probably roasted me or something, I don't know, I don't want to think about it…"
"Jesus, Joseph and Mary, Beth, it is over. Calm down." Danny replied leaning back in his chair with a stern look on his face.
"I can't believe you right now." Beth whispered fiercely, "I don't even want to look at you."
"Then turn your snooty ass around and you wont have to." Danny said through gritted teeth.
Beth sighed, and shot Danny an icy glare he had only seen her give people she seriously didn't like. After class, instead of waiting for Beth, Danny walked out of the class. They had just had their first seriously real fight
At lunch, instead of sitting with Danny, like they had planned before, Beth walked by the table without giving Danny a second glance.
"Is it me, or is Beth flippin' a bitch?" Rafe laughed, he was obviously in a good mood.
"She's flippin a bitch." Danny downed his milk.
"Do you mind if I ask why?"
"Why? She got all pissy about you stayin' in the night, and she got mad at me for it." Danny rolled his eyes, "Whatever."
"SO I guess you wont be goin to her house after school?" Rafe asked hopefully.
"I ain't apologizing to her this time." Danny watched her every move, and how happy she was trying to act.
"You wanna head to Huddy's with me? Ronnie's bartendin' and he'll serve us." Rafe offered.
"Yeah, I need a drink about now…" Danny stood up, watching Beth brush off Henry Marshall's arm.
Rosie was waiting on the sidewalk in front of the school when Beth came out. She was completely unaware of the tension that had occurred earlier in the day so she bounded up to Beth in her childish way.
"Hey Beth the guys went to Huddy's, wanna walk home together?"
Beth's head shot up her blue eyes flashing like a 5 alarm blaze.
"You're the last person I want to walk home with Rosanna Gadry." She snapped
"Excuse me?" Rosie flinched
"Danny and I are fighting and all the credit can go to you and Rafe. You two just couldn't control your hormones."
"That's uncalled for." Rosie mumbled blinking back the tears that played at her long lashes. "You and Danny are havin troubles that's not mine and Rafe's fault. We just wanted to spend some time together I thought if anyone knew what it's like to have the world against your love it'd be you and Danny."
"Oh I understand, believe me I do. What I don't understand is how bedding Rafe is more important to you then your only friends sanity."
"You know what Elizabeth Sullivan I always thought you were the snottiest, spoildest; most stuck up, self-centered princess in Shelby. You just proved me right." The tomboy in Rosie took over again as she reached down clutched a handful of mud and smeared it all over Beth's pale yellow summer dress.
"That was low Rosanna." Beth shouted as Rosie ran toward home. "And by the way it's most spoiled."
Rosie let out a loud groan and threw up her arms as she continued to walk away.
Huddy's was a dive and the only reason Rafe and Danny went there was because Ronnie would serve anyone to make money. It was the type of place, that when you stepped in to front door you nostrils were immediately assaulted by the scent of stale cigarette smoke and flat beer. The jukebox only played three songs and all the stools were torn and bent.
"Hey Ronnie." Rafe plopped himself onto a worn out stool and put his elbow up on the bar.
Ronnie pulled a cigar from his chapped lips that were shrouded by is rust colored goatee.
"What can I get you fellows?" He spat on the bar and wiped it away with the dishtowel that hung from his shoulder.
"Never mind let me guess…. Whiskey for you and milk for Walker here."
Danny gave Ronnie an angry glare and cleared his throat
"Vodka, the bottle."
Ronnie raised his eyebrows and looked at Rafe who nodded. The bartender put his best bottle of vodka on the counter along side a glass. Which Danny ignored, picking up the bottle and taking a long gulp from the container.
"Easy Danny you have to breathe." Rafe scoffed pulling the bottle from his best friends mouth causing the liquor to dribble down his chin and onto his chest.
"Yeah you're the expert on alcohol aren't you Rafe? Towns worst drunk." Danny croaked
Rafe knew Danny was stressed that was the only thing that kept him from saying
"No that's your girls mom and your old man." Instead he said "No I'm just a rotten drunk, let's go play pool."
"Good plan." Danny stood up picked up his bottle and they headed toward the billiard table.
After two hours Danny had polished off the entire bottle save the four shots Rafe had taken periodically.
"You play a lot better drunk" Rafe observed noticing he still had two balls left on the table and all Danny had to do was sink the 8.
"Nah you just play worse sober. 8 ball corner pocket." Danny stated banking the 8 ball causing it to roll into its perspective pocket. "I win."
"Congratulations. We better head home it's gettin' late, my parents are probly ready to skin me from last night anyhow."
"I forgot to tell ya, I told 'em you left for school early this morning for some readin' tutorin'. They're not gonna be home tonight either they're visitin' you aunt Grace."
"They believed you?"
"Sure I'm the son they trust." Danny teased
"Good to know, you're in a better mood over the Beth thing." Rafe informed
"Beth, Beth who?" Danny was doing a good job at hiding his sorrow he even fooled Rafe.
As the boys approached home they heard the familiar sound of a plane engine their plane engine. One of the crop dusters had been stolen and the two pilots stood on the runway waiting for their plane to land and when it did they were ready to pounce. Rafe stood poised with his little league bat ready to bash in the brain of anyone that would dare touch his plane.
"Danny go call the sheriff." Rafe barked as the propeller began to slow and the pilot unbuckled itself.
"No wait don't do that then my uncle will know I was here." The person in the cockpit removed their goggles and hat, revealing bouncy brown curls and sparkly brown eyes.
"Ro, what the hell?" Rafe ran to help her from the plane, as Danny crossed his arm stifling a laugh.
"Rosie you are one of a kind."
"I try Walker." Rosie jumped down not waiting for Rafe's assistance. "Come here." She called Rafe closer and wiped the dust from her hands on the front of Rafe's shirt.
"Thanks." He smiled "What possessed you to steal my plane?" Rafe put his arm around her.
"I borrowed it see I brought it back. Beside I wasn't feelin' to hot I got into a fight with Beth. You know when I get mad the only thing that makes me feel better is flyin'."
"Beth's just pissin' everyone off tonight, ain't she. Hey my parents are gonna be out for the night, you wanna stay awhile?"
Rosie nibbled his ear gently
"Of course."
That was Danny's cue to leave.
The walk to Beth's sobered up Danny a little. A little enough so when he knocked on the door and Daisy answered, he could come up for a good reason why he wanted to see Beth, when she wanted to kill him.
"Come in Danny…" Daisy ushered the boy in, "You do understand Beth isn't in the best of moods?"
"I do." Danny sat down before he could fall over.
"Do you have a death wish Danny?" Daisy laughed quietly, and then observed the boy, "Have you been drinkin' Daniel?"
"Daisy…" Danny half laughed, half slurred.
"Danny." Daisy laughed and walked to the kitchen and returned with water, "I'm going to go get Beth, boy you are so lucky her daddy ain't home tonight."
"That's good." Danny replied concentrating on the plant across the room.
Beth walked downstairs not knowing who was here for her, even though she had a good idea, Daisy wouldn't confirm nor deny anything. She saw Danny in the chair in her front room and rolled her eyes, "Its you."
"Beth…" Danny tried to stand, but he wasn't all that sober.
"Have you been drinking?" Beth took the seat across from him, still looking the part of the ice bitch.
"Have you?" Danny snapped back.
"Leave." Beth walked over and grabbed him arm and was so close to throwing him on her porch.
"Beth…wait. I'm gonna be sick." Danny gagged, and Beth ran him to the bathroom.
Three hours later, Danny woke up in Beth's comfy bed with a cold washcloth on his head. He looked over at Beth's desk and saw her in her comfy men's pajamas with her feet up on the desk glaring at him. He'd never seen her look more beautiful.
"I shoulda called the cops on you." Beth walked over and sat next to him, and took off the washcloth.
"That'd been sweet." Danny sat up, "Beth, the rooms spinning."
"How much did you drink?" Beth laughed softly, "Wait, I don't want to know."
"Why aren't you snappin' at me?" Danny lay back down.
"I guess I have a forgive and forget thing goin' on." Beth laughed moving stray pieces off his forehead.
"What are you forgivin'?" Danny said, looking Beth in the eye.
"I don't know, I should be forgiven for acting like such a snob, but you did come to my house smashed…" Beth giggled, lying out on his chest, "I'm sorry." She whispered it wasn't an easy word for her to say.
"Excuse me?" Danny couldn't help but laugh.
Beth sat up and looked at Danny, "I'm sorry!"
"Me too." Danny smiled, "How am I gonna get home?"
"Daisy called the McCawley's who don't seem to be home, and told Rafe that you had food poisoning or something, then she called my father and told him the same thing. So, you're welcome here for the night."
"Thank you Beth…" Danny yawned, "I need sleep."
"You do." Beth kissed him on his forehead, "I'm goin to the guest room, I think my dad might check tonight. Night Danny."
Danny pulled her down, and kissed her softly on the lips, "I love you Beth."
"I love you too."
"I have to get goin' Rafe, and if you don't stop suckin' on my neck you're gonna gimme a huge hickey. That'll be easy to explain to my dad." Rosie pushed herself off the couch and walked over to the mirror in the hall.
"You leach!" She squealed
"What?" Rafe followed her shrieks
Rosie moved her hair aside for Rafe to observe the beautiful reddish purple mark on the side of her throat. Her boyfriend let out a low whistle and looked at his hands
"Honey I'm so sorry."
"Oh you are in it up to your ass now McCawley sorry is so not getting you out." She playfully pushed him and wound up lost in his kisses yet again.
"You better get outa my house fore I don't let you leave." Rafe pulled away but still kept his arms around her waist.
"As soon as you let me go."
"I gotta do that don't I?" He brushed her cheek with his lips
"Yes."
"Okay." The couple walked to the porch together and Rafe always to worrier warned her about it being dark and to watch out for weirdos.
"I'm datin' the biggest weirdo in town." Rosie giggled "If I don't make it to school tomorrow my father killed me and hid the body." With that she disappeared into the darkness.
"And I don't need my father to find out I'm aiding you guys in breaking the law. I'm a criminal thanks to you." Beth picked up her purse and held the door open for Rafe.
"Hey Beth I owe you." He stated walking past Beth and out he door
"At this rate McCawley you'll owe me your first born."
Rosie watched as Rafe vanished down the drive.
"I want to add to what Rafe said Beth, we wouldn't have been able to get together if it wasn't for you. You didn't have to risk your neck like you did, that really means a lot to me."
Beth just smiled
"That's what friends are for."
"Do the words never again mean anything to you?" Beth said setting her books down on a desk, she wasn't really mad at Rafe and Rosie; she was just terrified of being caught.
"Beth…calm down." Danny tried to calm her, but it wasn't working.
"Accessory to the crime?" Beth said taking a seat at her desk in English, "I'm not sure if this is a felony or a misdemeanor…"
"Beth, you cant be an accessory, because they weren't caught, its done." Danny took his seat 3 behind Beth, "Just quit over reacting."
"Over reacting? Please Danny…" Beth snapped, and she leaned up and whispered, "It wasn't your tail on the line. My father would have killed me, probably roasted me or something, I don't know, I don't want to think about it…"
"Jesus, Joseph and Mary, Beth, it is over. Calm down." Danny replied leaning back in his chair with a stern look on his face.
"I can't believe you right now." Beth whispered fiercely, "I don't even want to look at you."
"Then turn your snooty ass around and you wont have to." Danny said through gritted teeth.
Beth sighed, and shot Danny an icy glare he had only seen her give people she seriously didn't like. After class, instead of waiting for Beth, Danny walked out of the class. They had just had their first seriously real fight
At lunch, instead of sitting with Danny, like they had planned before, Beth walked by the table without giving Danny a second glance.
"Is it me, or is Beth flippin' a bitch?" Rafe laughed, he was obviously in a good mood.
"She's flippin a bitch." Danny downed his milk.
"Do you mind if I ask why?"
"Why? She got all pissy about you stayin' in the night, and she got mad at me for it." Danny rolled his eyes, "Whatever."
"SO I guess you wont be goin to her house after school?" Rafe asked hopefully.
"I ain't apologizing to her this time." Danny watched her every move, and how happy she was trying to act.
"You wanna head to Huddy's with me? Ronnie's bartendin' and he'll serve us." Rafe offered.
"Yeah, I need a drink about now…" Danny stood up, watching Beth brush off Henry Marshall's arm.
Rosie was waiting on the sidewalk in front of the school when Beth came out. She was completely unaware of the tension that had occurred earlier in the day so she bounded up to Beth in her childish way.
"Hey Beth the guys went to Huddy's, wanna walk home together?"
Beth's head shot up her blue eyes flashing like a 5 alarm blaze.
"You're the last person I want to walk home with Rosanna Gadry." She snapped
"Excuse me?" Rosie flinched
"Danny and I are fighting and all the credit can go to you and Rafe. You two just couldn't control your hormones."
"That's uncalled for." Rosie mumbled blinking back the tears that played at her long lashes. "You and Danny are havin troubles that's not mine and Rafe's fault. We just wanted to spend some time together I thought if anyone knew what it's like to have the world against your love it'd be you and Danny."
"Oh I understand, believe me I do. What I don't understand is how bedding Rafe is more important to you then your only friends sanity."
"You know what Elizabeth Sullivan I always thought you were the snottiest, spoildest; most stuck up, self-centered princess in Shelby. You just proved me right." The tomboy in Rosie took over again as she reached down clutched a handful of mud and smeared it all over Beth's pale yellow summer dress.
"That was low Rosanna." Beth shouted as Rosie ran toward home. "And by the way it's most spoiled."
Rosie let out a loud groan and threw up her arms as she continued to walk away.
Huddy's was a dive and the only reason Rafe and Danny went there was because Ronnie would serve anyone to make money. It was the type of place, that when you stepped in to front door you nostrils were immediately assaulted by the scent of stale cigarette smoke and flat beer. The jukebox only played three songs and all the stools were torn and bent.
"Hey Ronnie." Rafe plopped himself onto a worn out stool and put his elbow up on the bar.
Ronnie pulled a cigar from his chapped lips that were shrouded by is rust colored goatee.
"What can I get you fellows?" He spat on the bar and wiped it away with the dishtowel that hung from his shoulder.
"Never mind let me guess…. Whiskey for you and milk for Walker here."
Danny gave Ronnie an angry glare and cleared his throat
"Vodka, the bottle."
Ronnie raised his eyebrows and looked at Rafe who nodded. The bartender put his best bottle of vodka on the counter along side a glass. Which Danny ignored, picking up the bottle and taking a long gulp from the container.
"Easy Danny you have to breathe." Rafe scoffed pulling the bottle from his best friends mouth causing the liquor to dribble down his chin and onto his chest.
"Yeah you're the expert on alcohol aren't you Rafe? Towns worst drunk." Danny croaked
Rafe knew Danny was stressed that was the only thing that kept him from saying
"No that's your girls mom and your old man." Instead he said "No I'm just a rotten drunk, let's go play pool."
"Good plan." Danny stood up picked up his bottle and they headed toward the billiard table.
After two hours Danny had polished off the entire bottle save the four shots Rafe had taken periodically.
"You play a lot better drunk" Rafe observed noticing he still had two balls left on the table and all Danny had to do was sink the 8.
"Nah you just play worse sober. 8 ball corner pocket." Danny stated banking the 8 ball causing it to roll into its perspective pocket. "I win."
"Congratulations. We better head home it's gettin' late, my parents are probly ready to skin me from last night anyhow."
"I forgot to tell ya, I told 'em you left for school early this morning for some readin' tutorin'. They're not gonna be home tonight either they're visitin' you aunt Grace."
"They believed you?"
"Sure I'm the son they trust." Danny teased
"Good to know, you're in a better mood over the Beth thing." Rafe informed
"Beth, Beth who?" Danny was doing a good job at hiding his sorrow he even fooled Rafe.
As the boys approached home they heard the familiar sound of a plane engine their plane engine. One of the crop dusters had been stolen and the two pilots stood on the runway waiting for their plane to land and when it did they were ready to pounce. Rafe stood poised with his little league bat ready to bash in the brain of anyone that would dare touch his plane.
"Danny go call the sheriff." Rafe barked as the propeller began to slow and the pilot unbuckled itself.
"No wait don't do that then my uncle will know I was here." The person in the cockpit removed their goggles and hat, revealing bouncy brown curls and sparkly brown eyes.
"Ro, what the hell?" Rafe ran to help her from the plane, as Danny crossed his arm stifling a laugh.
"Rosie you are one of a kind."
"I try Walker." Rosie jumped down not waiting for Rafe's assistance. "Come here." She called Rafe closer and wiped the dust from her hands on the front of Rafe's shirt.
"Thanks." He smiled "What possessed you to steal my plane?" Rafe put his arm around her.
"I borrowed it see I brought it back. Beside I wasn't feelin' to hot I got into a fight with Beth. You know when I get mad the only thing that makes me feel better is flyin'."
"Beth's just pissin' everyone off tonight, ain't she. Hey my parents are gonna be out for the night, you wanna stay awhile?"
Rosie nibbled his ear gently
"Of course."
That was Danny's cue to leave.
The walk to Beth's sobered up Danny a little. A little enough so when he knocked on the door and Daisy answered, he could come up for a good reason why he wanted to see Beth, when she wanted to kill him.
"Come in Danny…" Daisy ushered the boy in, "You do understand Beth isn't in the best of moods?"
"I do." Danny sat down before he could fall over.
"Do you have a death wish Danny?" Daisy laughed quietly, and then observed the boy, "Have you been drinkin' Daniel?"
"Daisy…" Danny half laughed, half slurred.
"Danny." Daisy laughed and walked to the kitchen and returned with water, "I'm going to go get Beth, boy you are so lucky her daddy ain't home tonight."
"That's good." Danny replied concentrating on the plant across the room.
Beth walked downstairs not knowing who was here for her, even though she had a good idea, Daisy wouldn't confirm nor deny anything. She saw Danny in the chair in her front room and rolled her eyes, "Its you."
"Beth…" Danny tried to stand, but he wasn't all that sober.
"Have you been drinking?" Beth took the seat across from him, still looking the part of the ice bitch.
"Have you?" Danny snapped back.
"Leave." Beth walked over and grabbed him arm and was so close to throwing him on her porch.
"Beth…wait. I'm gonna be sick." Danny gagged, and Beth ran him to the bathroom.
Three hours later, Danny woke up in Beth's comfy bed with a cold washcloth on his head. He looked over at Beth's desk and saw her in her comfy men's pajamas with her feet up on the desk glaring at him. He'd never seen her look more beautiful.
"I shoulda called the cops on you." Beth walked over and sat next to him, and took off the washcloth.
"That'd been sweet." Danny sat up, "Beth, the rooms spinning."
"How much did you drink?" Beth laughed softly, "Wait, I don't want to know."
"Why aren't you snappin' at me?" Danny lay back down.
"I guess I have a forgive and forget thing goin' on." Beth laughed moving stray pieces off his forehead.
"What are you forgivin'?" Danny said, looking Beth in the eye.
"I don't know, I should be forgiven for acting like such a snob, but you did come to my house smashed…" Beth giggled, lying out on his chest, "I'm sorry." She whispered it wasn't an easy word for her to say.
"Excuse me?" Danny couldn't help but laugh.
Beth sat up and looked at Danny, "I'm sorry!"
"Me too." Danny smiled, "How am I gonna get home?"
"Daisy called the McCawley's who don't seem to be home, and told Rafe that you had food poisoning or something, then she called my father and told him the same thing. So, you're welcome here for the night."
"Thank you Beth…" Danny yawned, "I need sleep."
"You do." Beth kissed him on his forehead, "I'm goin to the guest room, I think my dad might check tonight. Night Danny."
Danny pulled her down, and kissed her softly on the lips, "I love you Beth."
"I love you too."
"I have to get goin' Rafe, and if you don't stop suckin' on my neck you're gonna gimme a huge hickey. That'll be easy to explain to my dad." Rosie pushed herself off the couch and walked over to the mirror in the hall.
"You leach!" She squealed
"What?" Rafe followed her shrieks
Rosie moved her hair aside for Rafe to observe the beautiful reddish purple mark on the side of her throat. Her boyfriend let out a low whistle and looked at his hands
"Honey I'm so sorry."
"Oh you are in it up to your ass now McCawley sorry is so not getting you out." She playfully pushed him and wound up lost in his kisses yet again.
"You better get outa my house fore I don't let you leave." Rafe pulled away but still kept his arms around her waist.
"As soon as you let me go."
"I gotta do that don't I?" He brushed her cheek with his lips
"Yes."
"Okay." The couple walked to the porch together and Rafe always to worrier warned her about it being dark and to watch out for weirdos.
"I'm datin' the biggest weirdo in town." Rosie giggled "If I don't make it to school tomorrow my father killed me and hid the body." With that she disappeared into the darkness.