Three weeks later.

Tia

went to Walnut Lake Market which was across town for her mother who was going to need ingredients to make two dozen cupcakes for Mile's class for the winter bake sale. Maizy knew her mother was stressed with work, so she volunteered to go pick the stuff up and whip up the cupcakes for her tonight while she was swamped with meetings for the whole night. Miles and Maizy were with dad at the arcade since they earned it after both helped clean up the back shed as a way to earn allowance. In the end they decided to use their earnings to play games at the arcade. Their father, who was trying to spend more time with them, said he would take them and get pizza afterwards. They asked Tia if she wanted to come? But, Tia said she was planning on going shopping and making the cupcakes for mom. It was still freezing out, and Tia wore her long overcoat, hat, and sunglasses since the sun was just beginning to set. Tia found winter depressing since it seemed to be dark constantly. She hated getting home from school, and by the time she was done her homework the sun was already setting. Even though she wasn't really the type to lay outside and tan, she still enjoyed the warmer weather, and was officially pumped that her father had casually mentioned that now that he got his winter bonus, he might actually toy around with the idea of putting a pool in. Tia was already thinking of pool parties with her friends. Walking since her parents had both cars, Tia made sure her coat was buttoned up, as she fixed the strap of her purse and walked down the sidewalks, breathing in the crisp freezing air. Less than ten minutes later she reached the market, entering, and was relieved that it was warm inside. Grabbing a basket, she started to stroll down the aisles, picking items, and tossing them in her basket, before she nearly collided into something. Looking up, holding a box of cake mixture, she jumped a little, before her eyes widened in surprise, seeing who it was. Bug stood there in his black cap and long peacoat. He was pushing a baby carriage which she had bumped into. Bug looked just as surprised as she was.

"Whoa! Um, sorry..."

Tia blinked before shaking her head.

"No, I wasn't paying attention, sorry..."

Her voice trailed off, before she looked down at the baby and couldn't help but smile. Looking down, she saw past the half hood of the carriage Lady laying there. She was in a onesie, which looked like a cow. It was black and white, and the cap that matched was shaped like a cow's head with tiny eyes, and ears. She also noticed the baby had several blankets tucked around her, and a small rubber giraffe toy that was laying beside her. Tia looked down smiling, staring down. The baby was only a few months old but still absolutely adorable. The baby had a pacifier, which she was sucking on, and looked up in Tia's direction as she stood over her.

"Hi there Ladybug. How are you?"

The baby starred up, before Tia reached down and used her finger to gently rub her soft smooth skin of her cheek. Realizing what she was doing, she stood back a little embarrassed. Before she found children and babies annoying, but this past year as she was trying to be more patient with her siblings, she had noticed that babies and little kids could be cute...sometimes. She looked at Bug, and saw he had a basket hanging off his arm as well. It had a package of diapers, and several cans of formula. Looking at him, she saw there were dark circles still underneath his eyes. Tia nervously chewed on her lip, before standing back a bit and motioning to the baby.

"How's she doing?"

Bug looked just as awkward as her, before dropping his eyes.

"Um...better. Much better. She's gotta get a bunch of shots soon, but the doctor said sometimes babies run high fevers..."

He then stopped and forced a strained little smile.

"Sorry, you don't care and I'm rambling..."

Tia made a face before looking down at the baby again.

"I usually despise babies and children but...I guess yours is pretty cute."

Bug smirked, before the baby made a small gurgling noise. Bug instantly looked down, concerned, fixing her blankets, as the baby just laid there, staring up with her big eyes, which were beginning to look gray. A mixture between Bug's and Lucy's. Watching him, Tia actually felt a little bad. He looked exhausted, and on edge. It seemed as if anytime the baby moved or made a noise, he was ready to jump at it. She could tell he was way over his head, and was scared lifeless. Bug looked back up, blinking, before clearing his throat.

"Um, I better finish shopping before she gets fussy...I'll see you around Tia. I know she's pissed, but thank your mother again for me."

Tia nodded, forcing a small smile before standing back so he would continue pushing the carriage.

"Will do Bug. Bye Lady."

She waved down at the carriage, before Bug sadly smiled, and continued walking down the aisle. Tia watched, knowing she had to stop thinking about him and feeling sorry. Still, ever since that night when he came over, she had a funny feeling that he was hiding something. She hadn't told anyone at school that Bug had gone to her house seeking help. She knew the rumors would be flying, so she kept her mouth shut. Still, she kept thinking back on what Bug had said before driving away, claiming that she shouldn't believe everything she heard, and flat out told her that he hadn't raped Lucy. She knew how badly he had treated her, and several other girls. Gina Careweather from Oaklynn high two towns over had been the one he had taken upstairs the night that they broke up when she wouldn't have sex with him. She had only ran into Gina once at the drive-in last summer. She apologized to Tia, saying she was super drunk that night, and how she wanted to kiss her uncle after what he did to Bug. She claimed he kept pinning her down, slowly taking off her clothing, and claiming that her protests about wanting to leave the room and stop weren't true. Same old Bug as usual. Insisting, and kissing, and slowly trying to gaslight you so he could get what he wanted. She had explained what Buck did, using duct tape from his rear pocket, before telling Gina to get dressed, and count herself lucky that an "exterminator" was here tonight to squash "bugs". Gina was cracking up telling Tia this story, and how he had dragged Bug away who was tied by the hands, and gagged with a sock and tape. She guessed he hauled him down the backstairs and out of the party, but Gina counted herself lucky, especially after what she heard about what happened with his girlfriend. Tia vaguely told Gina about what happened to her, and how angry he got, shouting names at her when she refused to go any further. That's when he went downstairs in a huff, and picked Gina who sadly was the drunkest girl there. Both girls agreed they had dodged a bullet, and held up their diet Pepsi cans, toasting to poor Lucy, and how they hoped Bug would one day get exactly what was coming for him. This had cemented her hate for Bug...until he happened to swing by months later with a very sick baby. Still, she kept remembering that night.

She knew Gina really was lucky if what everyone claimed had happened to Lucy was true. In fact, she was lucky herself since the worst Bug did was call her names.

Before...

Bug took Tia's hand and placed it on the crotch of his pants, where she felt a bulge. He usually did this whenever their makeout sessions were getting hot and heavy, it was something that made Tia extremely uncomfortable, and as always would pull her hands away. The day had actually started off really nice, she was trying to prove something to Buck, and intended to actually finally go all the way with Bug. She had carefully packed her bag to stay with him since his parents were out of town, and he was planning on throwing a massive party since his cousin in college had scored a few kegs. Tia hoped that she would finally stop being so scared, and actually do it. She loved Bug, and didn't want to lose him, and wanted to prove something to Buck, her parents, everyone in this stupid town that moving here was a massive mistake. She missed her old house, her school, and friends. The only thing she cared about was Bug. He was the first real person that she felt actually cared about her. She wanted her first time to be with him. He had been so patient, and she felt spending the weekend with him would be the ultimate revenge when she came back Sunday, hopefully just in time for her parents to come home and see how awful Buck was. The day getting ready for the party had been great. His cousin and a few of his friends were already here, which Tia honestly felt a little relieved about, since she was starting to get nervous again. She knew it was stupid, but she suspected that if they were alone, he might try to have sex with her right then and there. Instead, they listened to music, and nursed a few beers with the others. Twice Bug picked her up from behind, wrapping his arms around her waist, picking her off the ground, and nibbling on her neck making her squeal. She noticed his hands kept going to reach up her sweater, causing her to laugh, before feeling uncomfortable and sliding his hands down. He had motioned to the guest house out back and told her he would hopefully convince his parents that he could move out back there...then they could be alone as much as they wanted. Here he picked her up, placing her on the kitchen counter, and kissing her so roughly, her eyes widened. Thankfully his cousin walked in asking where he wanted the kegs? Once the sun set, everyone started to arrive, and the house became packed. The music was so loud, and she watched as Bug kept drinking beer after beer, his hands all over here. Feeling embarrassed, she shrugged him off, saying not down here. Bug whispered then to follow him, taking her hand, and a six pack of beer that had been left on the coffee table, He laughed and high-fived a few of his friends, making Tia feel even more embarrassed before they went up to his parent's bedroom.

Once inside, he shut and locked the door, before smiling, and tossing the beer onto his mother's vanity with a clunk. Turning towards her, he smirked before pressing her against the door, and kissing her down her neck, causing her to stiffen up. Bug noticed, before pulling back, some of his hair had fallen in his face as he smirked.

"You want the lights off?"

Tia nervously gulped, before nodding. Bug kissed her softly, which actually felt nice for once, before snapping the lights off. Here he pulled her to the large bed. The two sat down, before Tia turned away. She felt like none of this was like how she imagined. She could hear the music still loudly through the walls, as well as everyone else outside. Bug was drunk, and smelled like beer. She didn't feel sexy, or special, or good about what she was doing. She loved Bug, but knew it was now or never. Her hands nervously wrung together, before Bug whisphered...

"Take your shirt off." Tia was horrified, as she gulped again. Bug tried touching her shoulders, but she stiffened up. He softly laughed.

"Look, I'll go first."

He peeled off his heavy blue sweater, before leaning forward and kissing her neck again, asking what was wrong? Tia meanwhile continued looking forward, before he scooted over, and sat beside her. That's when he took her wrist, and placed her hand on his crotch. Her eyes widened, feeling the bulge. Bug smiled, before he leaned over, cupping her breast over her sweater. Tia tensed, before he began kissing her again, and slowly laid her down. Tia felt like she was a dead fish. She didn't move, nor kiss back. Instead she just laid there, before she felt his hand reach underneath her sweater and blouse underneath. That's when she felt his hand go under her bra, and cup her entire breast, his thumb rubbing the nipple. Eyes widening through the long wet sloppy kisses he was giving her, she felt his tongue go into her mouth, before his other hand reached down, and slowly his legs nudged her legs apart. Tia started to panic when his hand undid the top button of her pants. His fingers started pulling on the waistband, before the other, which had been cupping her breast, went down to unzip his jeans. Tia then knew she couldn't do this. Every alarm in her head went off, before she pulled her head away and pushed him off.

"Bug no..."

He continued kissing her, trying to pull her pants down, when finally she knew if he pulled her pants down any further they would come down, along with her panties. She knew once that happened, no matter how much she said she wasn't ready, or wanted to slow down, he wouldn't listen. She remembered the night he had tried to get her to give him a blow job. He kept saying that he was sure she would be awesome at it, and whined that all of the other guys got them from their girlfriends since they loved them. Tia couldn't bring herself to do it, which resulted in Bug being huffy for a while, before she nervously asked if she could maybe use her hands? Bug glanced over, before his expression changed and he smirked. Here he looked around, since they were at the hang-out at the park. Everyone else was across the way at the bonfire, they were on a park bench, underneath a broken park light. Tia looked around, nervous that somebody might see, but figured this would be better than using her mouth. Here he seemed excited, before he looked around himself, and unzipped his jeans. Seconds later, she watched as he carefully brought out his cock, which seemed to stand straight up in a mere instant. Tia knew what a penis looked like, but hadn't seen one in real life before. She glanced at it, surrounded by dark hair, poking through his opened pants. Looking away, feeling her cheeks burn, she wasn't so sure, before she felt him grab her wrist, squeezing a little too hard, before bringing it over, and touching it. She felt the warmth, and the strange texture, before he walked her through it. Telling her to wrap her hand around it, and not to squeeze too hard. To slowly move her hand up and down, and go faster when he said so. Tia continued looking off to the side not wanting to look at it, when she slowly with his help started moving her hand up and down. She could feel Bug stiffen, and softly tell her whenever she was squeezing too hard, or how fast to go. That's when she felt his hand gently squeeze the sides of her chin, forcing her to look at him.

His color was flushed, and he was breathing heavily, before he smiled.

"Why aren't you looking, come on."

Tia's cheeks burned, before she looked at it and felt strange. It was a mixture between confusion, embarrassment, and curiosity. Tia looked down, feeling so embarrassed she actually wanted to just stop and go home. Instead, she sighed, staring at it.

"So? What do you think?"

Tia knew she was blushing.

"It's...cute."

Bug laughed.

"Cute? Come on Tia puppies are cute!"

Tia tried to join in and laugh, before looking down quickly again seeing her hand wrapped around it. It felt slick, and was swollen. It was warm in her hand, and she could feel a pulse in it. The head looked almost purpleish, and something beading up on the top of it.

"It's...really big."

Bug made a face, before grinning. Tia knew this was the right thing to say.

"Oh yeah?"

Bug told her to go faster. Tia did so, and after a minute or so Bug had his head tilted back, and was breathing very heavily. Suddenly Bug snapped his eyes shut, and cried out while something warm squirted out and onto Tia's hand. Bug let out a hargered breath, before looking over at her. Tia felt his penis go down, but didn't want to look at it again. She held out her hand, dripping with the stuff, before Bug laughed.

"Come on to the fountain, we'll wash it off, hold on."

He tucked himself away, zipping himself up, before kissing her, softly whispering thank you, before both got up. Tia held her hand out, feeling disgusted, before they reached the fountain. Tia couldn't dunk her hand in fast enough. She splashed it around, hating the strange smell, and how gross she felt, but she knew she couldn't really show it since Bug would probably get upset again, and might bring up the fact she wouldn't even do it with her mouth, which the thought of even doing that turned her stomach. Once she knew it was all washed up, she stood up, and forced a smile. Bug pulled her in close, laughing and kissing her. She remembered how great this felt, seeing him so happy and impressed with her.

"Did...I do a good job?"

She asked uncertain. Bug laughed before kissing her again.

"Baby, that was fan fucking tastic!"

For the last few months that's the furest she would go with him. She preferred just making out since Bug was a great kisser, and had nice plump lips. The handjobs made her feel dirty and disgusting, and it seemed as though that's all Bug wanted. Whenever she acted like she didn't want to, he would start getting moody, or start trying to get her to go further. The pressure lately had really been on and she didn't want to lose him, but she knew if she could barely stand yanking on his penis, how could she deal with it actually inside of her? She felt the weight of him pinning her down, before she shook her head.

"Bug...stop...I said...stop...STOP!"

She pushed him off, scared out of her mind, before Bug laid on the bed beside her. Finally he snapped.

"What the fuck is the matter with you? I thought you said you wanted this?!"

Tia felt tears in her eyes. She stared up at the ceiling, before shaking her head.

"I'm sorry...I just..."

Bug sat up, completely pissed.

"What? Not ready? Scared? Goddamnit Tia I can't fucking do this anymore..."

He got up in a hufff, before flipping the lights on. Tia sat up with tears running down her face, before she fixed her pants and blouse.

"Bug..."

Bug shot her a look before he mocked her, raising his voice and pretending to cry as he paced around, throwing his hands up in the air.

"Bug! I'm not ready, Bug! Bug don't! Bug I can't! Bug I'm a fucking prude!"

Tia was stunned, she stared up at him, before she shook her head.

"Bug stop it."

Bug shook his head, running his hands through his hair.

"No, I'm fucking done. I've been led on with just a few kisses and handjobs for a little too long. You said this was the weekend and I actually fucking believed you. No, I'm done with the ice princess act. Go home to your crazy uncle, I'm done."

Tia couldn't believe it, she started to cry harder.

"Bug don't..."

"Yeah I think I've heard that too many times. I'm done. Get your fucking shit and leave. I'm going to go downstairs and find a real woman that actually wants to feel good. I'm done with babysitting Tia. Go fuck yourself."

He turned, yanking open the door and rushing out, slamming the door behind him. Tia sat on the bed completely devastated, before it hit her... Buck was right.

Bug was a predator, and she was his prey. Knowing that she had officially had enough despite how heartbroken she was at this exact moment, she knew this wasn't just some fight, he was really done with her. Getting up, she grabbed her bag and coat which she had kept here since this was where they had planned on "sleeping" the whole weekend. Trying not to cry, she pulled her coat on, tears running down her face, before she turned and looked at her reflection in the vanity and hated what she saw. A desperate idiot that felt heartbroken over the fact that her boyfriend just tore her apart because she was too scared to go all the way. She fixed her makeup, sniffling. She was thankful that the music was so loud that nobody probably heard them argue, but she knew right now Bug was drunk, and trying to drag some idiot like her upstairs. People would see, and word would spread. She hated most of all that she was devastated that this bastard had just broken up with her. Taking a deep breath, she took one last look at the bed, before opening the door, and heading outside into the hall. She walked past people who were crowded around holding beers. She made her way downstairs, before freezing for a second, as she looked down into the living room and saw Bug kissing Gina up against a wall. At that exact moment, Bug happened to glance up in her direction, and the two locked eyes. She couldn't believe it. She was replaced in less than a minute.

Present

Buck's predictions all came true. He really was a bad guy. What made her heart break was seeing him smirk, before leaning back to Gina and kissing her. Officially having enough, she shook her head, struggling to hold back tears, she hurried outside. Hating this memory, she sighed knowing that Bug did the same thing to Gina, and lucky Buck was there. Sadly he wasn't for Lucy, and the result was right there in that baby carriage. She realized how lucky she was that Bug hadn't been violent or rough with her forcing her down. Gina said he pinned her down a little, but nothing too bad. She was just really wasted, and luckily they were interrupted. Still, could she have seen him forcing her or Gina and rape them? She knew he was an asshole, and a hair trigger temper that night after drinking, but he never got rough. In fact all the times they dated and she pushed him away, or made some excuse over not being ready, he would mostly just sigh, or roll his eyes. He got huffy sure, and really moody, but he never once laid a hand on her. In fact, that night he screamed at her, but got off once she pushed him, and didn't try again. She knew she shouldn't even be thinking about it. It was in the past. He was horrible to her, and revealed his true colors. He might have done something terrible to Gina if it hadn't been for Buck, and unfortunately it had in fact happened to Lucy. Resulting in her dying, and Bug having to live with the result of his actions now for the rest of his life. She thought it was brilliant of his parents to have crafted up something like this. Seeing Bug in the market just now, he was no longer the cocky asshole she knew.

No, this guy looked as if he was drowning. Sighing, she walked in the other direction towards the aisle with the freezers for dairy, where low and behold, she saw at the end of it. was Bug, but she now spotted Nelson, Griffin, and Sonny. They all went to high school, and were all friends of Bug's before the scandal hit. Since then, they were constantly talking about Bug behind his back, and making fun of the fact that he had to raise his little "rape baby". Tia knew it was none of her business, so she pretended to look at the cheeses, while she strained to hear what was going on.

"So? Is this the little bastard?!"

Nelson exclaimed, looking over the carriage, and suddenly putting his head nearly all the way in, talking loudly in very annoying baby talk. Of course this scared the baby who started to cry loudly. Bug sighed, closing his eyes for a second, before shaking his head, and gently pulling Nelson away from the carriage.

"Careful man, you're scaring her."

Sonny made a face.

"It's a girl? Man, she's homely just like her old man!"

Griffin and Sonny cracked up, while Tia rolled her eyes further down the aisle, starting to get pissed off herself. Bug ignored them, while leaning in, and trying to sooth the baby. Nelson leaned in.

"So? Is it true Bug? I know you don't ever like talking about it...but I heard you're being punished by your parents by having this raise the kid. Is it really true you fucking raped that chick? Man, how hard up do you have to be? You're lucky your ass didn't land in jail. My pops says guys like you who like to rape young girls end up getting raped themselfs in prison..."

Nelson leaned in again.

"But I bet you would like taking it up the ass Bug. Maybe if you had tried that with that girl you wouldn't be covered in spit-up and shit huh?"

Bug tried to push the carriage, all the while staring straight ahead. Nelson wouldn't move. Bug tried again, this time shooting him a look.

"Fuck you Nelson."

Nelson, Griffin, and Sonny all cracked up while looking at each other. Nelson pointed to himself.

"Fuck me? Really Bug...you could do better than that."

Bug glared at him, before he slowly smiled.

"I guess you don't have to fuck yourself. You have that fat pig of a girlfriend to do it for you. Jennifer, right?"

Nelson's entire face crumpled.

"You fucking prick!"

He swung, and punched Bug right in the face. Tia's eyes widened, unable to believe what was happening, as other customers watched and gasped. She knew Randy the butcher was by the meats, and about to step in or call for the manager. Bug stumbled back a little, the baby screaming and crying even louder. Bug's nose of course exploded with blood, before he held the back of his hand underneath as blood ran down it. Sniffling, causing a little bubble of blood to catch in his nostril, he sighed, before shaking his head, and going to pick up his bag of groceries that he had dropped when he got punched. Instead Sonny and Griffin stepped in front of him. Bug stared at the two of them, before Sonny went to lunge at Bug. Lucky Bug saw this coming, and stepped out of the way to avoid getting punched. Losing his footing, Sonny slipped and fell, before Griffin went to punch him. Bug tried to just step forward and go to Lady who was screaming inside of the carriage, but instead Nelson got in the way.

"What? Want this?"

He gave the carriage a hard shove, causing it to go flying. It went halfway down the aisle, before almost wobbling for a second, but stayed still, making Tia feel her heart jump into her throat. She was about to hurry over, when Bug watched the carriage containing his daughter get shoved, and Tia saw a look she had never seen before, his eyes looke dead and dark as he stared at Nelson. Tia could only see the back of Nelson, but could tell from his body language that he knew he had screwed up and now looked scared.

"Hey man..." He began, but it was too late. Bug's face crumpled, as he lunged on him and began punching him over and over. Sonny and Griffin ran over to pull Bug off nelson who had fallen to the floor, and was trying to cover his face as Bug said every swear known to man, as blood dripped down his face from his nose, as his lips curled back, and he bared his teeth, looking like an animal as he continued beating the ever living shit out of Nelson. Even with Griffin and Sonny struggling to pull him off. Tia hurried over to the carriage along with another woman to check on the screaming scared baby. That's when Randy, and the mananger ran over, pulling Bug off Nelson who's left eye was swollen shut, and his mouth gushing blood. He clearly was on the verge of tears, but instead pointed his finger at Bug.

"You fucking crazy rapist!"

The manager barked at them to get out before he called the cops. Randy said he would be walking them out, and making sure round two wouldn't take place in the parking-lot. Nelson, who was helped up by Griffin and Sonny, wiped his bleeding mouth before pointing at Bug who was hurrying over to where Tia and the other woman was, standing over the crying baby.

"I'm gonna call the police you cocksucker!"

It was now Randy's turn to look pissed.

"Yeah call them, and we can tell everyone about how you pushed an innocent baby down the aisle so hard it almost toppled over. How about that?"

Nelson looked pale, before he wiped his bloody face again, and marched with Randy and the other guys down the aisle, before heading to the front Nelson shouted back that he was going to kick his fucking ass next time. The manager pointed to the front next to Bug.

"Get out son, and don't you ever fight like that again in my store."

Bug nodded, before he reached the baby, and leaned down. Tia watched as he tried soothing her, but her cries were turning into louder screams. Sighing, he nodded to the woman and Tia.

"Thanks..."

With that, he kept his head down low, and pushed the carriage silently. Tia sighed, dropping her own basket and quickly following Bug outside. By then the sun had nearly set, and the sky looked absolutely beautiful. It was freezing out, but she saw Randy standing with his hands on his hips as Nelson's truck roared out of the parking-lot at high speed. Sighing, she quickly followed Bug who was trying to quickly push his screaming daughter in the direction of his car.

"Bug?!"

She called out. Bug paused for a second looking over his shoulder, before Tia got a chance to catch up. She walked beside him.

"You okay? Your nose looks bad..."

Bug shrugged as he nearly reached his car.

"I've gotten punched in the face so many times it's starting not to hurt anymore."

"You're bleeding a lot...it's going down the front of your shirt..."

Bug didn't seem interested, and only glanced down once.

"It's fine."

He continued pushing the carriage towards his car, leaving a very confused Tia in the parking-lot. Frustrated, Tia watched as he reached his car, and opened it up, taking a very loudly screaming Lady out. She watched as he held her for a second, rubbing her back, trying to sooth her, while using his foot, to collapse the carriage to load in. Tia was tempted to help him but figured he was angry, and more than a little ashamed right now. It seemed like he wanted to be alone. Shaking her head, she went back inside, passing Randy, who smiled at her. Tia gave a quick smile back, before going to the freezer aisle and retrieving her basket. That's when she saw that during the fight Bug's cap had fallen off. It laid there on the floor next to Bug's own basket. Walking over, Tia picked the hat up, feeling the soft material sadky, before glancing down. Seeing the diapers and formula, she stood there holding Bug's hat, not exactly sure what to do, all the while holding onto her ex-boyfriend's hat which she had gifted to him back when they were dating. Even after they broke up, he still constantly wore it which Tia noticed and privately found a little strange, but figured he probably forgot it was from her, and just wore it during the cold months. Sighing,she held it, before gathering Bug's basket, as well as hers. She quickly finished shopping before heading to the checkout line. She saw Randy was working one which wasn't unusual whenever they were short staffed. She waited, before putting all of her and Bug's items together. Randy smirked at her again. His father was the market's old butcher, but had retired this past summer. Randy was in his twenties, cute, and was always friendly to Tia whenever she came in here. Randy's younger brother Joe went to school with her, and worked part-time in produce. Randy smiled at her.

"Hey Tia, another wild night at Walnut Lake Market huh?"

Tia made a face and gave a small laugh.

"I guess so."

Randy then noticed the diapers and formula." He looked at her.

"This stuff is expensive, you know you don't need to buy it."

Tia nodded, before shrugging. She had plenty of extra money from saving her allowance, and the money she had earned helping Mrs. Smith at the library during her study hall periods. Some teachers did little working programs for students to shadow for. Tia, and two other students from her class did this three days a week, organizing books, and cleaning up around there. The money wasn't great, but it was still something. She counted hersef lucky that her parents hadn't really gotten on her back about getting a job. She figured she might try to apply for the photo hut at the Mall for the summer, since she really wanted to start saving for a car before college. Opening her purse, and taking out the extra money, she handed it to Randy.

"It's no problem."

Randy probably knew what the town gossip was, but didn't say anything. Instead he smiled and mentioned he would punch in a few coupon codes to get the bill lower. Bagging everything up, he handed Tia her change, before smiling.

"Take care of yourself Tia."

Tia smiled, before carrying the bags out. There were four in total, but besides the one with the cans of formula, they weren't that heavy. Leaving, she started in the direction towards Bug's house as it started becoming dark.

Later...

Tia didn't see Bug's parents' cars in the driveway, but knew he was now living out back in the guest house. She had heard this from a few people that his parents basically kicked him out of the main house so they wouldn't be bothered by the cries of the baby. Originally when she heard this, she thought it was funny, loving what was finally happening to Bug, but now as she walked around towards the little bungalow, she couldn't help but feel sorry. She saw the look in Bug's eyes when that jerk Nelson had shoved the carriage. Sighing, she carried the bags and approached the guest house. It was set further back, nearly towards the woods of the massive back yard. She could see lights on, and heard music. Walking towards the back, she stood outside the sliding glass door, and looked in. Depeche Mode was playing on Bug's stereo. The living room/bedroom was messy, but Bug wore a T-shirt, and jeans. He was laying on the couch, which was a foldout bed. His face had been washed, but his nose still looked swollen. He laid on the bed, surrounded by pillows, and little Lady was in a new onesie, laying in the crook of his arm, taking a bottle that Bug had positioned so she could feed. Bug had nodded off, laying there, as the baby took her bottle. Watching this, Tia felt a strange fluttering feeling in her stomach. Bug looked absolutely horrible. He was beyond exhausted, and from the looks of it, was really struggling. The bungalow wasn't a huge mess, which Tia suspected had something to do with the housekeeper that took care of Lady while Bug was at school. Still, it clearly showed that Bug was a new parent, but the coffee table was covered in some laundry, nursing blankets, empty bottles, boxes of wipes. There was stuff cluttered on the counter that looked into the tinu kitchen, and the baby's carriage, bouncing seat, and playpen were off to the side. Sighing, she lightly knocked using her knuckles against the glass. Bug continued sleeping. Sighing, she slid the door open, walking inside. The music wasn't that loud, but she figured between the stero being on, and Bug probably downright exhausted, he wouldn't have heard if a bus crashed through the living room.

Walking in, she carefully placed the bags down on the floor, before approaching Bug. Looking at him, she couldn't help but feel sorry. He looked awful. His hair was still shoulder length, but messy. He laid on the foldout couch, his head tilted to the side, fast asleep. The baby continued taking her bottle, looking up with her big eyes, all the while even in Bug's deep sleep, he had his hand positioned so Lady could easily take the bottle. Walking over, Tia cleared her throat.

"Bug?"

He continued sleeping, as the baby in his arms kept looking up at her taking the bottle. Walking over, she snapped the music off, turning to see if that would wake him. Bug still slept. Frowning, she took a second, before walking back over, and reached down, giving him a gentle shake. Instantly Bug snapped awake. His head jerked, before looking up, blinking, startled. Tia stood back, before Bug's eyes wide and confused, before he looked down at the baby. The bottle had slipped from her mouth when he sat up. Taking the bottle, and put it back in the baby's mouth, before looking up at Tia.

"How did you get in here?"

"You might wanna start locking the sliding door."

Bug blinked, clearly still so exhausted, before shaking his head. Looking down at the baby, he fixed how she was laying against the crook of his arm, and continued holding her bottle for her.

"Shit...I was giving her a bottle and I must have drifted off."

"Haven't been getting much sleep huh?"

Bug made a face.

"She's been fussy at night, just trying to get her to sleep a little longer. Isabella comes around seven before I can shower and get to school, but she wakes up around midnight, and then usually three in the morning and stays up for almost an hour."

"Jesus every night?"

"Like clockwork."

"Shit..."

Tia said, looking down at the baby, who continued sucking on her bottle, and looking up. Bug then looked up at her.

"What are you doing here?"

Tia took a second before shrugging, feeling a little embarrassed.

"Um, you dropped this..."

She handed over his bag. Bug slowly took it, raising an eyebrow, before she motioned behind her to the kitchen counter.

"Also you left your basket and I figured you needed that stuff so I brought it over."

She motioned over to the crowded counter, which held the bags from the market. Bug took a second, still sleepy and out of it from just waking up. He sat there, before shaking his head, and reaching underneath himself, and pulling out his wallet.

"Wow...thanks. I didn't even realize. I just wanted to get out of there before I lost it."

"I figured..."

He opened the wallet, and took out a fifty, handing it to her. Tia took a step back.

"No it's okay. My treat."

Bug made a face and shook his head.

"That stuff is expensive, take it you really did me a favor thanks."

Tia didn't want to argue, so she shrugged and took it before pocketing the money. Looking at Bug as he tucked his wallet back away, she sighed.

"How's your face?"

Bug shrugged.

"Sore, but I'll put ice on it later."

"Nelson is an asshole."

Bug softly laughed, before getting off the couch, and holding the baby. Taking the bottle away, and putting it down on the table, before turning her against his chest and shoulder, he started to lightly pat her on the back trying to burp her. He paced back and forth, trying to burp her before he smiled. "Yeah, unfortunately his entire family is out to get me." Tia knew Nelson's older brother was a deputy in town, and just as much of a jerk as Nelson was.

"His brother?"

Bug had reached down, grabbing a nursing blanket, and putting it over his shoulder while still trying to burp Lady. He rubbed her back, still patting her back gently, before he shrugged.

"Yeah, he's a world class prick."

"He's the one who headed the investigation about you right?"

Bug looked, not saying a word, before the baby burped. Bug smiled and kissed the top of her head, no longer wearing her little cow's cap.

"Good girl."

He rubbed her back in tiny little circles, before gently bouncing her against him. He turned her, holding her against his chest, as she looked out at Tia. Smiling, Tia leaned forward, giving her tiny covered feet a little tickle.

"You okay?"

Tia asked. Bug looked down at her.

"Huh?"

Tia paused and stared at him.

"I shouldn't even be here...and I shouldn't even feel sorry for you after how you treated me but...I think you're hiding something, so what is it?"

"What's what?"

"What you said the night you brought Lady to my house. That I shouldn't believe everything I hear. That you didn't rape Lucy...so what happened?"

Bug looked at her, before sighing.

"I gotta change her..."

"Need some help?"

Bug looked at her, before shrugging.

"Um, yeah sure..."

Bug went down the tiny hallway, and into what she supposed was the bedroom to the bungalow. It was a small narrow room, but she saw that it was the nursery. There was a crib, changing table, rocking chair, and tiny dresser. The crib had a mobile hanging over it, tiny cows and moons. There were stuffed cows in the crib, and the banner of the wallpaper had baby cows dancing. Smiling, she picked up one of the stuffed cow animals and smirked, before holding it up to Bug who smirked.

"That's Isabella. She decorated it...she likes cows i guess. Pretty stupid huh?"

Tia smiled shrugging.

"You should do ladybugs if you ask me, but no it's cute."

Bug smirked, before laying the baby down on the changing table. Tia stood beside him, and watched him work as if he was on autopilot. She grabbed the wipes for him, and baby powder. Bug undid her onesie, before lifting her legs and taking the diaper off. Tia, who had been forced to help change Miles and Maizy millions of times, didn't even flinch at the sight of a dirty diaper. She helped Bug as he cleaned her up, powdered her, and put a new diaper on her.

"Could you get me a clean onesie from the dresser? Anyone should be fine."

Tia nodded as she offered to toss the diaper out. Running to the tiny kitchen area she tossed it, before coming back to the room, Here Bug was talking softly baby talk to Lady, leaning down, and blowing strawberries on the baby's bare stomach. The baby gurgled, laughing, as he put his head down and shook his head over her, making her laugh even harder. Tia stood in the doorway smiling, watching, unable to believe that this was actually Bug.

"Who's a good girl? Who's a pretty girl?"

He blew another rasberry on the baby's stomach, and did the hair trick. The baby's tiny little arms and legs wiggled, gurgling and laughing up at him. Tia walked in, acting as if she hadn't been watching and grabbed a onesie from the dresser, a blue and white striped one. She walked over, and handed it to him.

"This one okay?"

"Perfect."

He smiled, started dressing Lady as Tia watched.

"She's a good baby."

"Yeah, she is."

He then had her all dressed, before bringing her to the crib. Laying her down in it, he cranked the mobiel, and a tiny lullaby started playing. Pulling the blankets up, he covered her, before leaning down and putting her pacifier into her mouth.

"Night baby."

He grabbed one of the baby monitors, and walked out with Tia, before shutting the door. Tia motioned to the monitor.

"This place is pretty small, you need that?"

Bug smirked.

"You saw me sleeping, I'm basically dead to the world. Always good to have."

Tia smiled, before they reached the living room. Bug sighed.

"Sorry this place is such a mess..."

Tia shrugged.

"Got a pop?"

Bug nodded and walked to the tiny kitchen area, and opened the fridge. Tia saw it was basically empty. There were a few soda cans, and the rest half drank bottles of milk. He took a Pepsi for her, and snapped it open before handing it over. She took a seat at one of the bar stools near the counter. He leaned against the other side, putting the baby monitor down, before he glanced down at her bags.

"What the Hell did you buy?"

Tia smirked and shrugged.

"Oh, I gotta make these stupid cupcakes for Miles, I said I would do it for my mom."

Bug nodded, before Tia knew this might be the only chance she would get to have him talk. Instead, she eyed the cabinets.

"You got cupcake trays?"

"Huh?"

"I'll give you a couple if I can bake them here. I had to get out of my house for awhile...if you don't mind..."

Bug made a face.

"Thanks Tia but I don't think that's such a good idea."

"Come on, it won't take longer than an hour. I'll clean up after myself. I know you're tired but if she gets up I'll help, maybe help you get some sleep tonight."

Bug looked unsure for a second, before finally shrugging. "Alright, I'll run to the main house to see if we have anything. Do you need a measuring cup or anything else?"

"Yeah that would be great, I have everything else. You aren't due back or anything?"

"I'm good."

Bug nodded before he handed her the baby monitor, and grabbed a sweatshirt, before sliding open the door, and leaving her alone. Sitting there, Tia figured maybe...just maybe she could get Bug to open up. She kept trying to tell herself that she didn't care, and shouldn't be hanging out with somebody like Bug...but something deep down inside made her feel that he was hiding something, and to be completely honest...she wanted to know the truth.

Later...

Tia popped the two trays of cupcakes into the oven, before checking her watch and setting the alarm. Bug had washed up behind her, and put her things into a large brown paper bag he got from the sink. Drying the measuring cup, he placed it on the counter, before crossing his arms, and leaning against the counter.

"Guess Mrs. Tilly from home economics would be proud."

It took Tia a second, before it clicked. That was the first class they ever had together. In fact, she remembered her first day ever meeting Bug was in that class...

Before...

Tia walked into the large lab-like classroom, absolutely hating her life. It was her first day at the high school, and to make matters worse, she didn't start last week like everyone else. No, her parents' stupid idea to move here had taken longer than everyone thought, including the selling of her childhood home. It was bad enough having to say goodbye to everyone and everything back home, but when her father's car pulled down the street, and away from the house she had lived in ever since she was born, she struggled to hold back tears, and hid behind a pair of sunglasses, cursing her parents for doing this to her. Being new to school was an experience she never wanted to have, yet here she was.

She saw everyone look up from their tables once she entered, and she tried not to blush, as she clutched the strap of her bag, and held her schedule given to her from the office. The teacher, a middle aged woman with red hair turned, and smiled.

"You must be Tia Russell!"

Tia gave a small smile.

"Yes."

"You're from Indianapolis correct?"

"Yes."

"Tia, is that short for anything?"

Tia shook her head, before the teacher walked over.

"I'm Mrs. Tilly, why don't you grab a seat in the back. I'm taking roll call, then we're going to start discussing making homemade muffins."

Tia nodded, clutching onto the purse of her strap for dear life, before she walked down the center aisle of the lab, feeling everyone's eyes on her. She was about to sit at an empty table, when she heard a whisper.

"Hey."

She glanced over and saw a guy sitting on the opposite side. He was wearing jeans, a black T-shirt, and button down open blue and purple shirt. He had brown wavy shoulder length hair, and had a small hold earring in one ear. He was cute, and had big brown eyes. He was looking over at her, and motioned over to her to sit at the empty stool beside him. Looking around, she figured just as well, and sat down, carefully putting down her bag. The guy looked at her, and instantly Tia thought he smelled really good. Whatever cologne he wore, smelled really nice. He smiled at her.

"Welcome to the biggest waste of time in your life."

Tia smirked.

"Don't tell me...not a great cook?"

"Why cook if God invited the pizza delivery menu."

Tia softly laughed, shaking her head.

"Ah, it all makes sense."

"What about you?"

"Hmm?"

"Star chef right?"

"Oh yeah...actually I'm pretty good at baking, not gonna brag though."

The guy grinned.

"You? No never."

Both smiled when Mrs. Tilly called out the name Burton Carson. The guy raised his hand.

"Here."

Mrs. Tilly continued on, before he smiled and offered his hand.

"Bug Carson."

Tia shook his hand which felt firm, smooth, and warm.

"Bug?"

Bug rolled his eyes and smiled.

"I hate my name, so it's a nickname. Everybody calls me in, half of the teachers even...besides our lovely Mrs. Tilly."

Tia softly laughed again, before Bug locked eyes with her.

"So...moving sucks huh?"

"Totally. My parents got better jobs in the city, so of course that meant ruining my life and uprooting me."

"Sounds about right. My dad is this hot shot lawyer in the city, but I'm sure if he ever got a job in South Africa and it meant more money he would move us without a second thought."

He then eyed her as she smiled, grabbing a pen and notebook from her bag.

"So...you got a boyfriend back home?"

Tia looked over at him, and couldn't believe it, he was trying to see if she was single or not. Smiling, she shrugged.

"No, not right now."

"Single huh?"

"Yep. What about you Bug? Some pretty little dragon fly your girl?"

It took Bug a second, before he shot her a look causing her to laugh.

"Funny. No, not right now...guess I was just waiting for some cute new girl to become my lab partner and not judge if I burn toast."

Tia smiled, and suddnely felt that maybe this move wouldn't be so awful after all...

Present

The cupcakes had come out pretty good, but they needed to cool to be frosted. While they waited, Bug checked on Lady twice, and Tia could see that he was a nervous wreck when it came to the baby. Finally he came back, asking if she wanted some coffee? He began prepping the pot, and Tia said sure.

"So, been pretty tired lately huh?"

Bug sighed, running his hand through his hair.

"Understatement of the century."

Tia sighed.

"Your parents aren't helping at all?"

Bug shook his head.

"They're letting me stay here rent free, and I still get my weekly allowance to be able to buy Lady her fomula, diapers, and clothing...so I guess that's enough,"

"They could have let the baby go up for adoption. I don't understand it."

Bug filled the coffee pot, and took out the coffee crystals and gave a small humorless laugh.

"Yeah well, I guess they wanted their idiot son to learn his lesson and be reminded of what a selfish stupid prick he used to be. The same prick who totally deserved getting a few golf balls to the head from your uncle. I see that now."

Tia sadly smiled, before shaking her head.

"That's the past Bug. We've both moved on. It's fine."

"No, it's really not. I was a horny little jerk, and when you tried to tell me you weren't ready what do I do? I scream in your face, call you names, and break up with you. Then I drag that chick up the stairs, ready to do the same thing. Trust me, if anyone deserved being tied up and thrown into a trunk it's me. Just wish it would have really clicked back then. Maybe your uncle really did need to go after me with that hacket for it to really stick with me. Instead, what do I do? I start going out with another new girl with plently of family issues and drama. See a pattern? Well, this time I wasn't as lucky as I usually was. Everything fell apart, and here I am paying for it, and my father is absolutely loving it."

He clicked the coffee pot on, before turning and folding his arms, leaning against the counter, while staring at Tia. Sighing, she shook her head.

"Bug, can I ask you something?"

"What?"

"It doesn't make sense. You said all your parents care about is the family name, and their reputation. Why wouldn't they just let Lady go up for adoption? If they threw enough money at Lucy's aunt, the problem could have gotten taken care of. Why reveal that you..."

"What? Raped Lucy?"

Tia dropped her eyes, feeling embrassed.

"I didn't..."

"No, it's okay. Listen...I learned real fast who your true friends are. Once it got out over what happened, and Lady was born...everyone I knew turned their backs on me. Can't say I blame them. Still, I learned real fast who would stand by you and try to hear the truth, and who would just listen to stupid small town rumors, and go along with the crowd. I'm not angry at them, and I don't blame them. If it happened to anyone else, I'm sure I would be acting the same way...but Tia you're the only person that's actually helped me, and hasn't treated me like a monster."

Tia felt uncomfortable, before she shurgged.

"Hey, I haven't done anything..."

"When I had the balls to show up at your house that night, instead of slamming the door in my face, you helped Lady, even risking getting in trouble with your mom. Today, you actually stopped to say hi, then got Lady's stuff for me. You don't call my daughter the 'rape baby' or ''little bastard'. You actually are really sweet to her, and that means a lot since you out of anyone doesn't need to be...so I guess what I'm saying is I trust you."

Tia stared at him before he sighed.

"If I tell you something, can you promise not to repeat it?"

"Yeah of..."

He shook his head.

"No I mean it. Not a word to anyone. Your parents, siblings, anyone at school. If it gets out my father will kill me...and I'm not being dramatic. He'll actually kill me, or might do something to Lucy."

Tia's face dropped.

"Stop it Bug..."

"No I mean it. Can you promise?"

Tia sat there for a second before nodding.

"Yeah I swear it."

Bug took a deep breath, before he walked over and stared at her from across the counter. He took out two butter knife's, and cracked open the frosting, and slid Tia one of the jars. He began working on covering one of the cupcakes with frosting as he talked. Tia figured maybe keeping busy was the only way he could get this all out.

"I didn't rape Lucy."

"You said that. What happened?"

Bug took a deep breath, before looking at her.

"I mean it Tia, you can't repeat this."

"I told you I wouldn't. Now come on."

Bug took a deep breath, before looking at her.

"I did have sex with Lucy the night of Devon's party, but I didn't rape her."

"What happened? Everyone said she came running down the stairs crying, and you two were arguing."

Bug looked down embarrassed, before taking a deep breath.

"Well, it was Lucy's first time. We were doing it and I...sorta called out..."

"What? Another girl's name? Jesus Bug. Who was it?"

Bug looked at her and shot her a look. Instantly, Tia got it and all the color drained from her face.

"Oh..."

Bug dropped his eyes for a second uncomfortable. He shrugged it off.

"Listen, don't think too much into it. It was a mistake. I saw you in the hallway that afternoon talking to her, and it was weird seeing you and I must...whatever never mind. Anyways, it was just when I..."

Tia waved her hand.

"Got it..."

Bug quickly moved on.

"Well, she flipped, and I can't say I blamed her. She got up all hysterical, and wouldn't talk to me. We left the party and she was still losing her mind. I kept telling her it was a mistake, that it didn't mean anything. She called me every name in the book, and kept trying to walk home on foot. I kept chasing after her since I knew she was flying out the next day to see her grandmother. I guess she had surgery and was going to take a few weeks off from school to be with her, and I didn't want to leave things that way. Well, that's when Nelson came by, offering her a ride. She got in with him, crying her eyes out and I guess she told him once he got her home that I raped her."

"What?!"

"Lucy wasn't the good girl everybody thought she was. I was fooled. I know she was angry, and wanted to get back at me, but lying about that sort of thing? We all know that his brother is a cop, and well...I was woken up early to the cops at my house. My parents were wild, and that's when my dad asked why didn't she go to the hospital or get a rape kit done? Nelson's brother tried this whole song and dance that she was ashamed and left to the airport already. Well, I'll say this one thing about my father, he wasn't about to fucking hear some girl's word against mine, which I know even after I finish telling you all of this, it all comes down to my word against hers...and now that she's dead, it doesn't look good, mostly with my history on how I've treated girls. Well, my dad freaked out, saying he was going to get a judge to issue a court order and blah blah blah. This resulted in I guess Lucy's aunt getting scared, and calling Lucy who had just arrived to her grandmother's, and scared the Hell out of her. Lucy said the truth, that she lied, but the damage was done. Nelson's brother pushed, interviewing Devon, and word spread fast. My father...well he made sure I knew he was angry, and told me I couldn't say a word to anyone, in case Lucy's aunt decided to change her mind, and buy into her lies trying to get money out of us. I think the only reason she originally got Lucy to tell the truth was the police being there and her getting nervous. I guess she had a rap sheet, she probably didn't want to make waves. I kept my mouth shut, even though I wanted to tell everyone what really happened, and yet again, it was my word against hers. I had no idea if she was coming back or not, but I was hoping she would so I could maybe get her to make it clear to everyone what really happened. I was through with her, believe me. I know I'm not exactly a saint, but believe me Tia...I'm an asshole, I shout and yell a lot but I would never force myself on anyone. When you said you didn't want to go any further, I freaked out, but that was it."

"I talked to Gina, the girl you took upstairs after me that night."

"Well, I don't know what she said, but if she started freaking out and push me off her, I would have of course lost it, but probably just storm out of there like a little brat. Now again, I know this is all what I'm saying, and with my history I have no right for you to believe a word I'm saying but it's true."

"What happened when you found out she was pregnant?"

"Well, it was her aunt that let us know. She wanted a bunch of cash, and my dad said absolutely not."

"But, didn't she get something? I heard..."

"She got money basically to shut up from my dad. She's a drunk and a junkie. I felt bad for Lucy after losing her parents, then having to live with that. I guess she found out she was pregnant, and her grandmother told her aunt, who came to us like a crazy lady. She was shooting her mouth off saying she knew I was lying, and blah blah blah. Well, the plan was that Lucy wasn't coming back. She was going to stay with her grandmother, give birth, and put the baby up for adoption. My father gave her aunt money to keep her mouth shut. I tried calling, and couldn't get through. I was pissed at her still, but felt bad. I mean, I'll be the first to admit I was relieved hearing she was giving the baby up, but I couldn't believe I had gotten her pregnant..."

"Didn't you use anything?"

"I should have, but she claimed she was on the pill. I only briefly got to talk to her once on the phone, and it didn't last more than a minute. She apologized to me, admitting what she did was wrong, then said that the baby was a girl, and how she wasn't sure if she wanted to give it up...and boom just like that her grandmother must have picked up and the connection was lost. I tried contacting her a few more times, but by then a few weeks went by and I got the news she died having the baby. That's when her aunt came forward, saying she was going to tell everybody that I raped Lucy, and go to the press, all this bullshit. My dad called her bluff, but...well I got into a really bad fight with my father, and...things got really bad, and one day I learned that they were bringing the baby over here, and that I would grow up and become a father, and take responsibility for my actions."

"What?!"

"I won't get into it, but...my father is a real bastard, and this was his way of ruining my life. He didn't want the problem to die and get adopted. No, as horrified as my mother was about her name being dragged through the mud, she's a coward when it comes to my dad's final say so, and he knew exactly what he was doing. So, a few weeks later, I had a newborn daughter. Lucy's aunt was paid off and doesn't care, and from what I heard her grandmother is too old to even care. They made me move out here, and spelled it out for me. I get my inheritance when I'm twenty-five. If I try to take off and leave the baby, she'll be given to foster care...and my father said a really bad one from the city. That he would lie to all of his rich friends, and people around town that I took off, and they had the baby get adopted by family friends who couldn't have a baby, acting like they were giving her this great second chance, when in reality they would basically dump her in the street. So I have Isabella to help, and money to raise her, but if I try to be a deadbeat, and get somebody else to look after her all the time, I'm cut off."

"What?"

"I know it sounds like I'm only sticking around doing this for the money, but it's enough that Lady and me would be set. The inheritance is through my grandfather's trust. My dad can't take it away once I'm twenty-five. I just need to play his little game, and keep my head down."

"What about college?"

"They said I can go to a community one at first, then two years at a regular one, but I need to stay at home so I can be here for Lady. I just gotta bide my time."

"But that's another eight years Bug. Do you honestly think you can do this for that long I mean Jesus, do you really want people to think you're a rapist?"

"I plan on sending Lady to school a few towns over. I'll do whatever I can to shield her from what's going on. When she first came into my life I hated her. I'll admit when she wouldn't stop crying I would scream at her to shut up, and almost walked out twice, then she started running those fevers and I started getting scared. I know I'm a fuck up, and I have no idea what I'm doing but maybe this shit storm is what I needed to try and change. My life is ruined, and honestly I don't care. She's all I have. Once I have the money I'm moving us far away, and we'll never look back."

"What if she asks about her mother? Or if she somehow finds out?"

"I'm taking things one step at a time, just trying to keep her alive currently."

Tia stared at him.

"You aren't lying are you?"

Bug just stared at her, before Tia's eyes widened.

"Holy shit, you really aren't lying."

Bug sighed, as he finished frosting his fifth cupcake. The job was a little messy, but Tia looked down and saw hers weren't as good. Taking a second, she looked up.

"What was the fight you and your father had about? It must have been awful if he went to these lengths..."

"Not important, only that Lucy is dead, everyone thinks I'm a rapist, and I have a baby daughter in the next room who I'm constantly wondering if I'm screwing up."

"Bug, people should at least know that you didn't rape your daughter's mother. Maybe then you wouldn't feel so isolated. Can't your father..."

"He's done enough, and I don't care what people think anymore. I just wanna raise my daughter and get the Hell out of here."

"You know it's only going to get harder to keep from her the older she gets."

"I know, but...my father won't help, and trust me...believe me when I say I don't want him to. I just...wanted you to at least know."

"Why?"

"Because my life started falling apart after I threw you to the curb the way I did. You're the only person that treats my daughter like an actual baby, and not some monster. I'm sorry Tia, for everything."

Tia say back for a second, looking down at the cupcakes, before Bug nodded.

"I know, it sounds..."

"I believe you." With that Bug looked up surprised.