At the end of the school day, Nicole and I walked out of the front of the school, holding hands. It felt so good to be holding hands with her in front of everyone, just letting everyone know that I was hers, and she was mine. I looked over at her to find her smiling at me, her gaze filled with love. I smiled back before resting my head on her shoulder as we walked. She let go of my hand and wrapped her arm around me. She kissed the top of my head as we continued to walk towards the student parking lot. People stared and whispered to each other, but we ignored them.

I just kept walking, my girlfriend's arm around me. Happy as I could've ever been. Until I saw him.

Tucker Gardner.

Walking right toward us.

I sighed and lifted my head. When we approached him, I shook my head. "What do you want, Tucker?" I asked, not really in the mood to deal with him.
Tucker looked at Nicole and her arm around my shoulders, before looking at me. "So it's true. This is why you won't go to prom with me?" He asked, taking a step forward.
"I'm sorry, okay? I really am. But I've been with Nicole for a while now," I apologized. I wasn't even sorry, though.
Tucker shook his head. "You can't. It's wrong," he spoke.
Nicole shook her head. She was getting mad. "I'll tell you what's wrong-" she started.
"Nicole-" I cut her off. I looked at her. "Don't," I told her.
Nicole huffed, looking at me. Her expression softened and she nodded. "Alright. But I'm not leaving you alone out here to talk to him," she whispered.
I nodded, understanding. "I know, baby," I responded. I looked at Tucker. "Look, I'm sorry for what happened to your parents, but I am not going to prom with you."
Tucker shook his head. "You're not going with her either. They wouldn't let two dykes go to prom," he replied. His expression was kind of scary, but his tone was oddly calm.
Nicole took a step towards him. "Say that again, Tucker, I dare you-" she snapped.
I grabbed her arm, keeping her from getting any closer. "Nicole. Just- Come on. Let's go." I told her, pulling her back.

Nicole huffed, rolling her eyes. I gestured for her to get in the car, which she did very hesitantly. She got into the driver's seat and waited for me. I looked at Tucker, shaking my head at him. I didn't have anything to say to him, really. It was just so upsetting that he'd act like this.

"You know, Tucker... I've been nothing but nice to you, and you can't even do that for me." I spoke, the anger evident in my tone of voice.
Tucker shook his head at me. "I am being nice. I'm telling you that what you're doing is wrong. You can change. Be with me instead. Don't let her influence you anymore," he replied. He was dead serious. That made me even more angry.
"Influence me? What are you talking about?" I snapped, raising my voice. I didn't care if people heard me. He was being so ignorant.
"There's no way you're a lesbian, Waverly. You can't be." Tucker said, his voice hard now, as if he thought I would listen to him that way.
I shook my head at him again. "Maybe I am. You don't know how I feel, Tucker. Just leave me alone." I said, though the last part was louder.

I didn't think I was a lesbian. I still found men attractive, but I didn't want to be with a man. I wanted to be with Nicole. With Champ, I didn't know what I wanted. But I didn't want to be with him that way. And now, all I can think about is being with Nicole. I don't wanna be with anyone else.

I turned around, walking away from Tucker. I got into Nicole's car and sighed heavily. Nicole took my hand and held it. I turned my head to look at her and smiled. She smiled back before releasing my hand and starting the car. Tucker had walked away, and I was kind of relieved. Nicole started driving after we had buckled our seat belts. Her hand found its way back into mine at some point during the drive, and I was kind of- no, not even kind of. I was really happy. Happy that we didn't have to hide our relationship.

"Baby," I spoke, turning my head to look at Nicole.
Nicole nodded, turning her head towards me slightly, but keeping her eyes on the road. "Yeah?" She asked.
"I'm really sorry," I told her. And I really meant it. I mean, I know I didn't have to apologize, mostly because it wasn't exactly my fault, but I still felt the need to.
"About Tucker? Waverly, you don't need to apologize for him," Nicole responded. Her expression was concerned. Like she was worried about why I'd apologized for Tucker.
But that was the thing. I hadn't apologized for him. "I'm not. Believe me. I'm just- I guess I'm just sorry that you have to deal with him."
She shook her head. "I'm not dealing with him. He needs to stay away from you from now on. If he doesn't, I might end up getting expelled."

I knew she was being serious, because Nicole would never joke about something like that.

"He's not gonna listen," I protested.
Nicole sighed and pulled over to the side of the road. She put the car in park and looked at me. "Waverly, seriously? Are we really doing this?" She asked, pulling her hand away.
I frowned at the loss of contact. "Doing what?" I asked. I had no idea what was going on anymore.
"You need to stop trying to avoid conflict with Tucker. We need to tell him to leave you alone, and if he doesn't listen, they we can go to the principal. If that doesn't work, maybe go to Sheriff Nedley," Nicole told me.
I shook my head. "No. No, absolutely not. You don't know the Gardners like I do. Okay? They're rich, Nicole. They donate a shit ton of money to the town. There's no way Nedley'll do anything to Tucker. He's not exactly doing anything illegal, just being a creep. And a dick." I told her, looking right at her. My expression was serious, and my tone was, too. I just didn't want her to get herself into something she couldn't fix. Messing with the Gardners could ruin her chances of working at the Sheriff's Department, and I didn't want that. "Just promise me you won't go to Nedley. No matter what." I added, just for good measure.
Nicole sighed. "You can't expect me to just sit back and let him stalk you, Waverly. I mean, honestly." She responded, looking at me and shaking her head slightly.
I frowned again. "No, I didn't say that- Nicole."

She took the car out of park and started driving again.

"Nicole. Please, will you just stop the car and talk to me?" I asked her.
"I've already said what I needed to say. What else do you want from me?" She seemed mad.
"That's it. Stop the car." I snapped, looking at her very seriously.

Nicole glanced at me, saw my expression, and sighed. She turned down a dirt road that goes off into a field no one ever goes to. When we got to the field, she stopped the car and turned it off. She didn't look at me, but I knew she that she knew she'd made me upset.

"What the hell is your problem?" I asked her. My tone was still snappy, and I intended for it to stay that way until Nicole stopped whatever she was doing.
Nicole shook her head. "Tucker is my problem. Why-" She stopped and looked at me. Either she didn't know what to say, or she just didn't want to say it.
"Why what, Nicole?" I asked, looking at her expectantly.
"Why does he have to obsessed with you? I mean, I kind of get it. You're absolutely amazing and the most beautiful girl in Purgatory, but why can't he be creepy about someone else?" Nicole asked, looking away.

The most beautiful girl in Purgatory.

She really thought that? "You really think that?" I asked her, out loud.
Nicole looked at me. "Think what?" She asked back, seeming to have lost her train of thought.
"That I'm-" I started.
"The most beautiful girl in Purgatory? Of course I do. Because you are," she finished for me.

I smiled at her. God, I can't stay mad at her. Ever.

"I can't stay mad at you. You're just too sweet to me," I told her.

Nicole smiled and I leaned in, kissing her. She kissed back immediately, and I pulled her closer. We unbuckled our seat belts and deepened the kiss. I almost climbed into the driver's seat and straddled her, but we were interrupted by the sound of my phone ringing.

I pulled away from the kiss and groaned. "Sorry," I told Nicole.

Nicole shrugged. "Hey, it's fine, baby. Who is it?" She asked, smiling at me.
I checked. "Oh, it's Wynonna." I answered it, pressing the phone to my ear.

"Hello?" I spoke, not sure why Wynonna was calling me.
"Are you home? I'm outside," Wynonna responded.
"No? Why are you outside?" I asked, confused.
"Where are you?" She asked, ignoring my question.
"I'm out with Nicole," I answered. "You didn't answer my question."
"Mercedes wants to go for lunch. I just wanted to see if you would come with me. But since you're with your girlfriend-"
"What? No. Of course I'll go."
"Well, we kind of have to meet her at the diner, like, now."
"Now? Like, now now?"
"Yes, now now. What are you and Nicole doing anyways?"
"We were just talking. I've been having issues with Tucker Gardner."
"Issues meaning?"
"Meaning he's a stalker and it's pissing Nicole off."
"Of course. Well, meet me at the diner, okay, baby girl?"
"Alright. See you in a bit."
"Alright. Bye, Waves."
"Bye."

Nicole looked at me. "Where to?" She asked. I hadn't even said anything.
I frowned. "The diner. I'm so sorry, Wynonna wants me to go to lunch with her and Mercedes," I explained.
"It's fine, baby. I'll drop you off." Nicole responded, an understanding look on her face. She gave me one more kiss before starting the car.

When we pulled up to the diner, I could see Wynonna sitting at a table with Mercedes through the window. I was not prepared for this at all.. Especially not since I just rejected Mercedes' little brother not too long ago... God, I hope she's not mad.

Nicole parked in front and looked over at me. "You okay, baby?" She asked.
I looked at her and nodded, though I wasn't sure if I meant it. "Yeah, yeah, I'm fine. Just- kind of nervous... Mercedes is Tucker's older sister, remember?" I replied, cringing when I mentioned Tucker.
Nicole nodded. "Yeah, I remember. But from the looks of it, she's doesn't care for his bullshit either. Just be cool about it. Okay?" She told me, leaning forward and kissing my cheek.
I smiled a bit. "You're right. I will. Thank you," I responded. I kissed her lips and then pulled away, looking at her. "I love you."
"And I love you. Have fun," she replied.

I smiled before getting out of the car. I grabbed my bag and brought it with me as I walked towards the diner. I walked inside and headed over to the table where Mercedes and Wynonna were sitting.

Wynonna perked up when she saw me. "Hey! Waves!" She greeted. She stood up and hugged me, which was very weird for her. "Thank God you're here," she whispered in my ear.
Ah. The hug makes sense now. "You're welcome," I whispered back. We separated and Wynonna sat back down in the booth, sliding to the end so that I could take a seat next to her. "Hey, Mercedes." I greeted as I sat down and scooted close to Wynonna.
Mercedes smiled. "Hi, Waverly," she replied. She took a sip of her coffee, before reaching into her jacket pocket and pulling out a small bottle of liquor. She showed it to us and then opened it, pouring some into her coffee. "Being sober is shit, am I right?" She asked with a laugh.
Wynonna chuckled. "I hear ya. You gonna share?" She responded. She sounded like she was joking, but she was completely serious.
Mercedes laughed. "With you? Are you serious?" She asked. She passed the bottle over to Wynonna, who poured some into her Coke, and then took a swig straight out of the bottle.
"Ooh. That's some good shit," Wynonna commented. She handed the bottle back to Mercedes.
Mercedes was smiling. "Right?" She replied. She directed her attention to me and cleared her throat. "So, Waverly. I talked to Tucker after school today," she spoke.

When she mentioned Tucker's name, I immediately got nervous. Of course she talked to him. He must've been whining to her about what happened. I didn't even know what to say. Thankfully, the waiter walked over before I could respond to Mercedes.

"Would you like something to drink?" The waiter asked me.
I nodded. "Yeah, can I get a sweet tea, please?" I asked.
He nodded and wrote it down. "Anything to eat?" He asked the three of us.

Mercedes ordered first. Wynonna didn't order until after I had. The waiter wrote everything down and then let us know that it would be out soon. He walked away and I looked at Mercedes very reluctantly.

"You said you talked to Tucker?" I asked her.
Mercedes nodded. "Yeah. He was upset with you," she responded.
"What?" Wynonna asked. She looked at me. "Why?" She questioned.
I sighed. "I told him I can't go to prom with him because I'm dating Nicole," I explained.
Mercedes nodded. "He said that it's not fair and that it's wrong. Saying that you shouldn't be with Nicole because it's not right."
Wynonna looked at Mercedes. "He said that?" She asked.
Mercedes nodded. "Yeah. He did," she replied.
Wynonna raised an eyebrow, narrowing her eyes at Mercedes. She was clearly... well- I don't know what she was. "And do you agree with him?" She asked. I knew what answer she was waiting for.
Mercedes shook her head. "Hell no. Who Waverly loves is nobody's business but her own. And if she wants to be with this... Nicole, then I say she should be allowed to." She answered, a genuine expression on her face. She was being completely serious.

I smiled and opened my mouth to speak. I was stopped by the waiter, who was bringing my drink. He set it on the table and apologized for the wait before walking away again.

Mercedes looked at me. "Look, I don't agree with Tucker, and frankly, I'm glad you turned him down. He's a total creep, even if he is my little brother," she admitted.
I nodded. "Have you seen his box?" I asked her quietly.
Mercedes shook her head. "No. What box?" She asked.
I took a deep breath. "This box full of pictures of me. He keeps it under his bed. He showed it to me, and it was seriously-"
"High on the disturb-o-meter?" Wynonna asked, interrupting me.
I looked at her. "Well- yeah, exactly."
Mercedes sighed. "Wow, that's weird." She muttered, taking a drink of her coffee.

Wynonna and I both nodded and sat in silence. We didn't speak for about ten more minutes and then the waiter brought us our food. We started eating and Wynonna seemed to feel somewhat more comfortable. It was probably the booze.

"So, Mercedes... How's the funeral planning going?" Wynonna asked softly. She was really kind about the question, careful that she didn't upset Mercedes in any way.
Mercedes simply rolled her eyes. "Horrible. I hate it. So much to do... And I have to deal with Beth and Tucker. Perks of being the eldest, I guess?" She replied, clearly very bitter about the situation.
Wynonna shrugged and let out an awkward chuckle. "Well, I wouldn't know... I'm not the eldest," she spoke.
Mercedes nodded slowly. "Yeah, how is Willa by the way?"
I shrugged. "Oh, you know... She's fine, I guess."
"She's in the hospital." Wynonna added, looking away from Mercedes. "I just- I still can't believe she was stupid enough to-"
"Wynonna-" I snapped. She looked at me. I shook my head. "Don't. Okay?"
Wynonna nodded. "Yeah. Sorry." She rolled her eyes, looking away and directing her attention back to her food. She looked up at Mercedes and sighed. "I'm sorry that she, ya know... killed your parents..."

Mercedes didn't respond, she just eyed Wynonna for a few seconds. She knew Wynonna well enough to understand when she was at least attempting to be sincere. Understanding other people's emotions and speaking accordingly wasn't exactly Wynonna's strong suit. It wasn't her fault, she just didn't know how to talk to people. I couldn't really blame her for that, seeing as how she'd spent her teenage years in and out of juvie. She wasn't a bad person, she just made the wrong choices. Willa did too, but we're not gonna get into that.

Lunch went by agonizingly slow and the rest of the time was filled with awkward silence and on and off conversations about random things. When it was finally over, we said our goodbyes and watched Mercedes leave before getting into Wynonna's truck.

I looked at Wynonna once we were both in the truck. "You're not gettin' any better, hon." I told her, putting my hand on hers.
Wynonna responded by taking my hand into hers and interlocking our fingers. "I know, baby girl. I know. I don't know why I said that to her. I feel like shit for it." She replied, closing her eyes and leaning her head back against the seat on the driver's side.

With anyone else, I'd be concerned about them driving, but Wynonna's developed such a tolerance for alcohol that it barely affects her driving unless she gets completely shitfaced. Which, she was not.

"Don't worry about it. I'm sure she knew what you meant." I promised, giving her hand a reassuring squeeze before rubbing the back of her hand with my thumb.
Wynonna shook her head, opening her eyes and looking at me. "I shouldn't have said it. I didn't mean for it to sound... insensitive... That's just- I don't know."
"Hey. Mercedes has known you her whole life. She knows you well enough to know that you didn't mean it like that. You mean well, Wynonna. Even though you do sound insensitive sometimes. Anyone who knows you- and I mean really knows you- would know that you're trying to be nice."

Wynonna looked at me and gave me a sad smile. I knew she was silently thanking me, and she didn't have to say it out loud. She held up her free hand and gestured for me to come closer. I leaned close to her, hugging her arm and resting my head against her shoulder. Wynonna made me feel safe, just like Nicole did. There was just something about the both of them... I trusted them both, with all my heart... I knew they would never hurt me, and that gave me so much comfort.

"Waves," Wynonna said.
"Yeah?" I responded, not moving.
"Thank you."
"For what?"
"For believing in me... You make me feel like I'm not what everyone says. Like I'm not the town pariah who's committed social suicide more times than anyone can count. Thank you for making me feel like I'm not a fuck up."
Tears welled up in my eyes. "You're not a fuck up. You're my big sister."
Wynonna sniffed and I knew she was crying too. "See what I mean? You're the best, baby girl."

I felt her lips press against my forehead and then her cheek was pressing against the top of my head. I hadn't felt this complete away from Nicole, but I was complete in a different way. Wynonna was just as important to me as Nicole was. I don't know what I'd do without them. Wynonna was so much more than just my sister... She was part of me.

A part I can never do without.

A/N: Hey, everyone. So sorry for the wait! I hope you like this chapter. It's not exactly Wayhaught all the way through, but I figured you all wouldn't be opposed to an sweet Earp sis moment. I know I'm not the best at updating, but thank you so much for reading. I really appreciate it.