Daryl wasn't there when I got back to the room, I made sure of it. I changed out of my clothes and collapsed onto my bed crying. I sobbed into the pillow. I'm so stupid I'm so stupid. I don't know what I was thinking. I didn't even want to…well…maybe I did. I don't know.

I tried to calm down, taking a few deep breaths, the memory played in my head. After Chad took me into Leila's room, we—we didn't even talk or anything. We just started… He took my clothes off and I just let him, I don't know if I wanted him to or not, it was like my mind was somewhere else. We were about to do and…someone walked in. I think it was Sam, but I'm not sure, I didn't get a good look at them. I immediately snapped out of it and pushed Chad off me, grabbing my clothes and putting them on faster than anything. I didn't say anything to anyone just took off out the door. It must have been a sight. I'm sure Sam or whoever that was told everyone. I remember hearing Chad call after me as I was leaving. He said he would call me. I almost laughed. It sounded so…normal. But things weren't normal, they were so far from normal.

And now here I am, laying on my bed bawling my eyes out. I feel like a complete idiot. Part of me wishes I would have stayed and just had sex with Chad, another part is happy that we got interrupted and I left. Or maybe I should have stayed but not did it. I think it would be so awkward, though. It's not okay now! I mean…could I even face Chad? What do I say to him after this? I just sobbed harder into my pillow. I wish Daryl was here, I need someone to talk to. Then again, can I even talk to him about this? He'll freak! I can just picture the look he'll give me. He's going to kill me when he finds out.

I stayed up until Daryl got home. He seemed to kind of just stumble into our room. "Are you okay?" I asked him.

"Why are ya still awake?" He said ignoring my question.

"I-I couldn't sleep. So, I waited fer ya to get in." I sat up. "Are you okay? Ya don't look so good."

"Yeah, just ran into a little trouble. I'm all right, though." My brother got into his bed without changing out of his clothes. He didn't put any blankets on either.

"Ya don't seem alright."

"Le, I'm fine, okay? Just go to sleep."

"Well, I kinda have to talk to you about somethin'." I said nervously.

"…can it wait til in the mornin'? I wanna sleep." He let out a small laugh.

I thought for a minute. Now is probably not a good time to tell him. Besides, I'd feel guilty for keeping him up when he feels this way. Still, I was a little disappointed. I needed to talk. "Sure, okay." I finally said. I think he was asleep already. I rolled over facing away from him. Tears started coming down again, I couldn't stop them.

When I woke up next, it was morning. Daryl was still in bed. That's odd, he's always up before me. I checked the clock, it was just passed eight. He never sleeps this long either. My brother has always been an early riser. Poor Daryl, he must really be tired. I thought while looking at him.

"I ain't sleepin'." My brother said groggily.

I let out a small laugh. "Then why ya still in bed?"

"My back is killin' me."

"Oh." I blinked. "Want me to make us some breakfast? We still got that box of pancake mix." I grinned at him.

"Just go to the cafe and get us somethin'."

"Mmm…nah. I don't wanna go down there. I'll just make us somethin'."

"Suit yerself."

I was about to get up. "Okay, but don't look. I ain't wearin' pants."

"I won't look."

I hurriedly got up and put my sweatpants on. I don't plan on leaving the house today. As Leila said, there was school today, but I ain't goin'. I can always just go tomorrow. I can't be around people today. I made my way into the bathroom and looked at myself in the mirror. I gasped, some of the makeup was still evident on my face. I quickly washed it off. Good thing Daryl didn't notice. I'm sure I really would have got it.

I just finished the first batch of pancakes when my brother walked into the kitchen. "Oh, yer up? I was gonna bring 'em to ya."

"That's okay, baby." He sat down, I didn't miss his grimace. I sat a plate of pancakes in front of him and he started eating immediately. Then, I got myself a plate and sat with him. "So, how was yer party? Did ya have a good time with Chad or whatever his name is?"

I almost choked on my orange juice. I know he didn't mean it the way I heard it but still… "It was fine." I said without looking up.

"Did ya come home at twelve like I told ya?"

I had to think. "No, actually, I thank it was before that."

"Hmm. Really? Why? Did somethin' happen?"

I bit my lip. "No." I lied. He was looking at me like he could tell I wasn't being truthful. "Just…uh, someone got sick. So, everyone left."

"All right." He raised his eyebrows. "These are good pancakes."

"Thanks." I hurriedly looked away thankful that he changed the subject. I wanted to tell him, but I was waiting for the right time. And right then was not the right time. I sighed then guzzled down my juice.

I did up the dishes then saw my brother laying on the couch on his stomach. "Man, my back is really killin' me." He said. I gave him a sad look. Daryl isn't the type to complain even when something is bothering him. So, his back must really be hurting. I felt pretty bad.

"It's really hurtin' ya, huh?"

"Yeah, it does."

I hesitated. "…well…want me to rub it fer ya? I used to rub daddy's back all the time after he came back from huntin'. He used to love it." I got an awkward feeling after saying that so I continued, "Uh, it used to put him to sleep. That way I could do whatever I wanted." I giggled.

"Yeah, sure, baby. If ya want to." Daryl mumbled. I knelt down next to him and started with his shoulders. "Wow, yer really tense." I said trying to sound like those women on TV. My brother chuckled then grimaced. "Don't make me laugh." I went down a little.

"Where does it hurt exactly?"

"Like my shoulders to the middle of my back."

"Hmm…maybe cuz ya carry round that heavy crossbow all the time."

"What are ya? A doctor now?" He said roughly. "And rub harder, I can see why ya put 'em to sleep."

I giggled.

I continued rubbing his back for a while. He got quieter and quieter as I was. Eventually, I heard his light breathing and stopped because I knew he was asleep. I sighed looking at him. I feel really bad for Daryl, he does a lot for us and never gets a break. I really wish there was something special I could do for him, something to let him know how much he really means to me and that he's appreciated. I guess I could respect him a little more. Listen to him more. When he tells to do something or not to do something, I should obey him. That should take some stress off him. I know he's never going to stop worrying about me, but I could at least make it so he doesn't have to as often.

What should I do now? I thought while absentmindedly looking around. My eyes landed on the walkie, I just remembered that Chad said he would call me. I checked the time, it was almost noon. He still hasn't called.

I was in my room straightening my hair with the hair straightener that Leila gave to me when I heard my brother finally get up. "Le?" He called.

"In here!" I yelled. Daryl walked in the room. "Are you feelin' better?"

"Yeah, I am." He nodded. "Thanks fer the back rub, it really helped."

"That's good." I sniffled.

"Are you okay? Ya sound like you was cryin'."

Still not the right time. "I'm fine. I must just be gettin' a cold or somethin'." I told lie number three, which made me feel guilty.

"Maybe you should take it easy fer the next couple days then." He walked out of the room.

"Yeah. I was supposed to go to school today." I finished with my hair and followed Daryl out of the room.

"Oh yeah. I fergot about that. Well, you can go tomorra if ya feel okay."

"Yeah…I was thankin'…maybe I won't go. I can stay here with you like ya said." I smiled.

"No, you cain't do that."

I blinked at him in confusion. "What?"

"Ya wanted to go, so yer goin'. I don't wanna hold ya back from anythang."

"No, Daryl, it's okay. I'll just—

"Nope. Yer goin'." He tapped my nose. I sat down slowly at the kitchen table. I never should have told him I wanted to go. "So, I just remembered ya wanted to talk about something last night? What was it?"

My eyes widened and the blood drained from my face. His question totally caught me off guard. I wasn't ready to tell him, but I had to tell him something or he'd get it out of me somehow. "Uh…it wasn't important." I shook my head.

"Ya sure? You know ya can tell me anythang, right?"

Not that I almost had sex. "Yeah, of course." I smiled.

"All right." He sat down in front of me. "But…I thank it's time we had a little talk about a certain thang." My eyes went wide. He knows. I shook that thought. He couldn't possibly know.

"W-what do ya mean?" I decided to play dumb.

"Well, yer gettin' a little older and goin' around guys. As much as I don't like it, I know I cain't stop ya from it so…I want ya to know a few thangs. I don't want ya doin' nothin' with nobody yet. I want ya to…wait, ya know?" Daryl seemed as nervous as I was. I almost wanted to laugh but then I felt guilty. He doesn't even know. I leaned back in my chair, it felt like I was drained inside. He was talking but I wasn't really hearing anything he said. I started playing the events of last night back in my head. I cringed and become more and more emotional. I felt like I was going to explode. Plus, Chad still never even called me. I couldn't take it anymore. It was going to come out. "…and ya know, you should always make sure—

"Daryl, it happened already," I shouted, "okay, it happened!" I looked up at him. He was staring at me with shock on his face then it turned to anger. Oh shit.

"WHAT?" Daryl practically screamed in my ear.

"…last night. That's what I wanted to talk ta ya about."

"Sorry, what?" He snapped. "You did it? Ya had sex?"

"No. But I almost did." I put my head down. "Very very close to it."

My brother was silent for a minute. "It was that kid, wasn't it?" He nodded angrily. "That Chad kid. I'll kill 'im!"

"Daryl, nothin happened." I could feel tears starting to form.

"Yeah, but it could've. And I KNOW it wasn't yer idea."

"How do you know?" I sniffled. "No one ever talked to me about that kinda stuff before. Ya thank I'm a baby."

"You are a baby!" Daryl yelled close to my face. "Yer fifteen! You ain't done nothin' in life before! Ya don't know the first thang." He lowered his voice but still glared at me. I stared at the table with tears in my eyes. "You ain't ready to have sex."

"Daryl." I looked back up at him with my cry face. "Nothin' happened, okay? And I know yer mad, but can ya please not yell at me right now? How do ya think I feel?" I looked down sadly. "And Chad said he was gonna call me and he still ain't called."

He snorted then was quiet for a moment. "Yer never goin' out again."

"That's fine with me." I got up and walked to the window wiping my tears away.

After about a minute or two, I felt Daryl wrapped his arms around me from behind. "You mad at me?" He spoke softly.

I rolled my eyes. "No, I ain't mad at you." I said annoyed.

"You sure?" His face was touching the side of my head.

"Yeah, I'm sure."

"You sure that yer sure?" He kissed my cheek.

"Yeah." I giggled. "I'm sure that I'm sure." I'm glad that's over and done with. "But Daryl?" I turned to face him. "What do I do about Chad? He ain't called yet."

He gave me a disappointed look. "I'm sorry, baby. He seemed like a nice kid. But…it happens. Even the nicest guys can turn out to be the biggest dicks."

I sighed and sadly put my head down. "I really liked him, ya know?"

My brother paused. "…ya want me to break his legs?"

"No." I giggled and gently shoved his arm.

"Well, if thangs don't work out with him, you'll always have yer big brother. Ya don't need no one else."

I smiled at him. "Thanks, Daryl." I hugged him, he hugged me back tightly.

"Ya sure ya don't want me to at least break his arm or—

"Daryl! No!" I giggled.

The next day, I stood outside the door. "Well, here goes." Taking a deep breath, I knocked on the door.

"Come in." A voice said. I stepped inside and the teacher greeted me. "Hello there! I'm Miss Kay. And you are?"

"Leann." I stated. "But I prefer Le."

"Okay, Le." She turned her attention to the class. "Everyone, this is Le. She is our newest student. Please, be kind and welcome her."

The class said hi. I smiled and nodded. "You can have a seat anywhere." Miss Kay said. I walked to the back and sat next to a girl around my age. "We don't have a lot of books, Le." Miss Kay said. "So, you'll have to share with someone." I just nodded. The girl next to me kept looking at me. I just gave her a smile. She smiled back. "Hi, I'm Michelle. You can share with me." She moved over.

"Oh, thanks." I said.

"No, problem." She grinned form ear to ear. Michelle seemed a little too happy. But I don't know very many people here, so I'll be nice.

After class, the teacher dismissed us for lunch. I sat with Michelle. "So, how does this whole school thang work?" I asked her.

"I'm so glad you asked!" She smiled. "Well, we're separated by age, like regular school. We learn for about two hours then have lunch then another two hours after."

"It's only four hours?"

"Yup. Plus, we get Saturday and Sunday off just like real time!" She gasped. "You have to come over after school! I have so much to talk you about!"

"Oh, I would but I cain't. I have to get home."

"Oh no. You sure?"

"Yeah, my brother would kill me if I didn't come straight home."

"Your brother, huh?"

"Yeah, it's just he and I. But he's really overprotective so…"

"I get it! Another time then!" Michelle grinned widely. I smiled then got up to take my tray up.

As I was walking, I saw Leila, Sam and Amber sitting at one table. "Hey, guys." I said.

"Oh, hey." Leila said apathetically.

"I didn't see you guys earlier."

"Yeah, we skipped." Sam informed me.

"Oh, cool." I smiled.

"Yeah, be right back." Leila said and walked passed me without even looking at me.

"Is somethin' wrong with Leila?" I asked them.

"Well…don't tell her I told you, but she thinks you and Chad had sex in her bed so she's a little…" Sam trailed off.

"But we didn't." I said. "You opened the door, ya saw what happened."

"Yeah, but…you're gonna have to tell her that yourself." Sam cleared her throat. "By the way, I saw you sitting with Michelle. Stay away from her, trust me. She's the most annoying girl ever."

I blinked. "Oh, really? Well, can I sit here then?" I sat down before they said anything. "I'll clear thangs up with Leila, too."

"Good luck." Sam said. "Here she comes." Leila hesitated when she saw me.

"Hey, can I talk to you?" I said.

She sighed and sat down. "I guess."

"Look, I don't know what ya heard, but…I didn't do nothin' with Chad. I would never, especially in someone else's bed." I grimaced.

"You sure? I mean…it looked pretty bad."

"I know how it looked, but I'm bein' honest."

"Okay." She smiled. "I believe you. So, what happened with Chad anyway?"

I sighed. "I don't know. I don't wanna talk about it. But he said he would call me but he never did."

"Oh." Leila gave me a disappointed look. "I think I know why. You may or may not want to turn around."

I gave her a weird look then quickly spun around. Chad was two tables over making out with—with that girl! The Summer skanky bitch girl! My mouth gaped open, I glanced at Leila then back at the disgusting scene in front of me. Suddenly, my stomach felt sick and I started breathing heavily. I gotta get outta here! I got up and ran for the door. "Le, where are you going?" Leila called after me. I ignored her and ran out of the cafe, I ran outside and all the way back to the room.

"Daryl!" I yelled once I was inside. "Daryl!" He emerged from another room with a strange look on his face.

"Le? I didn't expect ya home so early. I thought ya said—

"Daryl!" I ran to him wrapping my arms around his waist and burying my face in his chest. "You was right. He's a dick." I sobbed.

"What? Le, what's goin' on?"

"Chad." I looked up at my brother. "He was makin' out with another girl." I buried my face back in his chest. "Right in front 'a me." We stood like that for a minute then Daryl lifted me and sat down on the couch with me on his lap.

"I'm sorry." He held me close and gently rocked me. "Shh."

"It hurts." I sobbed.

"I know, sweetheart. I'm sorry he did that to ya."

I calmed down a little but stayed there. "I hate him. You can break his legs now." My brother chuckled. "And, I ain't goin' back to school neither."

"It was only yer first day. Ya cain't let one person ruin thangs fer ya. That way ya wouldn't do nothin'." He pulled out his bandana and wiped my nose.

"Daryl." I giggled.

"I'm just takin' care 'a my baby." He kissed my forehead. I just relaxed and leaned my head on him. "It'll be okay. Ya don't need 'im."

I nodded wiping my tears. "I know."

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