A/N As always I thank you all so much for reviews, follows. faves and heck, just for reading. We pick up right where we left off, when Hershel and Annette tell Daryl and Beth about Rosita.
Warning: This chapter gets a little rough.
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As seemed to be the case so often he didn't think about it, it just happened, he took her hand as he muttered, "Shit." He quickly turned to her Mama, "Sorry Ma'am, sorry Beth, I just, well I guess I's too shocked ta think. Sorry."
"I'm not angry Daryl." Truth was Mama had nearly said the same thing when Rosita's mother had told her the news.
Beth's mouth was still agape, she regained her composure just a little and asked, "Mama, Daddy please can I go see her? Please?" A tear rolled down her cheek as she looked to her parents.
Mama looked concerned, "You two go in the kitchen and get yourselves some sweet tea, me and Daddy need to talk."
"Yes Mama."
"Yes Ma'am."
Mama and Daddy went in his office and shut the door. "I guess they didn't know; they sure seemed shocked enough. I suppose you have to expect these things can happen when teenagers fancy themselves all grownup and in love, but when it strikes so close to home it's frightening."
"I know Annette. This is the very thing I've worried about since the first time Daryl showed up at our door. I knew then I was seeing Trouble right before my eyes. It's not Daryl, I know he's a fine young man, it's them. It's the way they look at each other, the way they are together, like they just found their destiny and can't possibly survive without each other. I saw it between them immediately. I guess that's why I've been scared all along."
"Hershel Greene that is the most romantic thing I have ever heard you say, and I agree. I can't believe how they are, but they do seem mostly innocent. I just hope to God I'm right about that, that they're not moving too fast. I can't imagine Daryl ever pushing Beth to do anything she doesn't want to do, but she's in love with him and, well I don't have to explain these things to you."
"I know. I'm willing to let him take her to see Rosita, it might be a good thing. At least it might be a temporary deterrent, but I don't want him to take the old farm truck, not quite yet. We're going to have to make sure he's got a little insurance and all before he takes it on the highway. He doesn't need any more trouble than he has. I'll let him take the Chevy and we'll give them a couple of hours. Any objections?"
"No, no objections. Rosita is her best friend and I'm sure the girl needs someone her own age to talk to. And like you said, hopefully this will shock Daryl and Beth both into thinking very carefully before they decide to let things go too far."
"Alright well I don't think it would be a bad idea if I spoke to Daryl and maybe you'd better have another talk with Beth."
"Oh I just hate 'the talk' Hershel." Mama shuddered at the thought.
"I know wife, I hate it too. Being a parent is not for the faint of heart. Could you please ask Daryl to come in here and visit with me?"
When Mama opened the kitchen door she saw how quickly Daryl tried to move his arm from around her daughter's shoulder. All she could think was, "please Lord watch over these two."
"Daryl, Beth's Daddy would like to see you in his office for just a minute."
The look of doom and gloom that came over Daryl's face at her words had Mama feeling bad. "He's not going to bite you Son, I promise."
"Yes Ma'am." He and Beth looked at one another as he left the room and Mama thought it could possibly be the most pitiful look she'd ever seen.
What Beth hadn't expected was Mama was going to 'talk' to her. "Beth sweetie I know how uncomfortable it is for you to talk about this stuff, and believe me it's every bit as uncomfortable for me, but I'd be negligent if I didn't."
"Oh Mama please let's just not. I know where babies come from and I promise Daryl and me aren't doing anything like that at all."
Mama had to smile, "I know daughter I sure wasn't thinking you two were. But I know how it is to be young and in love and I just pray that you'll wait. But Bethie if it ever happens you have to be careful, you have to take precautions."
She couldn't believe her Mama had said that, she'd always just talked abstinence. "No Mama don't say it please."
"Beth, I'm your Mother I'm just trying to protect you is all. I do want you to wait for marriage, but if you don't then Daryl has to know what to do to make sure nothing happens, or you have to take pills."
"Mama I am not taking any pills because we're not doing that! I swear Mama that's the truth."
"I believe you but if it gets to that point then I want you to come to me. I'd rather have that than what's happening with Caesar and Rosita. I hope to God this all somehow works out for them, but they're way too young for marriage and babies. So are you and Daryl."
"Yes Mama I know. I promise."
"The good news is Daddy's going to let Daryl take the Chevy and drive you to Rosita's for a visit. I'm sure she could use a kind heart and maybe a shoulder to cry on."
With that Beth wrapped her arms around her Mama, "Thank you Mama I'll call right now, and please don't worry."
Daryl was fidgeting like Daddy had never seen, he truly felt sorry for the young man. They needed to have this talk though, for both their good. "Have a seat Son, I'm not going to hurt you."
"Yessir." Daddy was afraid the boy might bite right through his own lip the way he was chewing it.
"I know this is uncomfortable but you have to understand my position Daryl, Beth is my child, my youngest child. As her Father it's my job to do my best to protect her."
Daryl couldn't believe he interrupted her Daddy, but he did, "It's my job too an I ain't ever gonna let nuthin' bad happen ta Beth, ever."
"I'm sure that's the way you feel and I'm grateful you're so protective of her. But you're a young man Daryl, Beth's a young woman, and you're in love. I see it with both of you. Youth and love can sometimes lead right to experimenting and things happen, just like with Caesar and Rosita." Hershel saw the boy's neck turn bright red.
"It ain't like that Sir, we ain't, it ain't. Nah, just nah..."
"Well I know those urges are probably there and I'd like to think you and Beth can control that. It's something a man should be willing to wait for, for marriage." Right then Daryl wished her Daddy would just kill him and get it over with.
"I ain't pushin' Beth for none a that. I told her I wouldn't an I ain't. I keep my word Sir."
"I know that Daryl, I've told you before I know you're a good person. I'm just trying to make sure for all our sake that nothing unplanned happens. Do you know anything about birth control?"
He realized he'd only thought he wanted the man to kill him before, now he knew for sure. But he sucked in a breath and he sucked it up, "Yeah I know 'bout all that stuff, my brother told me. Ya know I got a older brother, an yeah he covered all that."
"Alright then, I won't torture you anymore Daryl, I just wanted us to have an understanding. Here are the keys to the Chevy. You take Beth over to see her friend Rosita. Drive slow and have her home in two hours, alright?"
"Yessir, an thanks I'd never let no harm come ta Beth."
Daddy clapped him on the shoulder knowing the boy was sincere, "Thank you Daryl."
Never were two people any happier to leave a house than Daryl and Beth. He opened her door and like the good girl she was she got in and put her seat belt on. As soon as they were out of sight of the house she'd slid over next to him, sitting on the console with her arm draped around him and her head on his shoulder.
"Shit Sunshine I didn't plan on ever havin' ta listen ta another one a them talks. I sure as hell didn't wanna hear it comin' from your Daddy."
"I know Trouble, I had to listen to it from Mama and it's just the most embarrassing thing ever."
"Damn I felt all kinds a guilty an we ain't even done nuthin' like that." His neck heated up at his own words, maybe because he knew he'd thought about all of those things, plenty.
They pulled up to Rosita's and he put his hand on her cheek, "I ain't goin' in Sunshine, ya go on in an see your friend an take your time. I'll wait right here."
"Really?"
"Yeah it ain't me she's gonna wanna talk to any how."
"Thank you Trouble." And the kiss she gave him let him know he'd done good.
He stood leaning against the car and smoking a cigarette, just waiting patiently, watching the house and thinking about her and all she meant to him.
Rosita's Mother opened the door, saw Beth standing there and started to cry. "Oh Beth I just can't believe what's happened. You go back in her room now, I'm sure she needs you."
And Rosita cried hard, "He told me it wouldn't happen if he just, oh you know, pulled, oh you know I can't even say it. It doesn't matter anyway, it didn't work. Now I'm going to have a baby and I'm only 16. I don't know if I'm ready. He doesn't have job and he needs to finish school so we have to live here with my Mom and Dad."
"What about you Rosita? Don't you get to finish school?"
"I'm going to try, I hope I can. I'm just so confused Beth. I love Caesar and I know he loves me. It's just I hadn't planned on all of this yet. I thought we'd finish high school, he'd go to trade school, get a job and then we'd talk about getting married. Everything has changed."
The friends talked, and cried and hugged each other, and Beth felt guilty when she left. Guilty for thinking how glad she was not to be in Rosita's shoes.
They still had time before they had to be back at the farm and Daryl pulled off on a side road. She told him about her talk with Rosita and how sad it all was, he nodded his head, "I ain't ever gonna let nuthin' like that happen with us Beth, I promise. When we have our children I want ya ta be happy with the idea."
Just his words made her feel that familiar warmth, and they did make out parked in her Daddy's Chevy on that dark and quiet country road. But they didn't let it go any further.
The Thursday before Caesar and Rosita's wedding was also the last day of Beth's sophomore year, and Daryl's junior year of high school. Report cards were handed out and as was always expected of her, Beth's was almost straight A's. There was just the B in physical education. She was sure the teacher hated her.
Daryl the boy who usually got all D's, had pulled off a major victory. He'd earned almost all C's, except for B's in both math and history. He couldn't wait to show both Mr. Horvath and Beth's folks.
Dale Horvath was certain that was the first time he'd ever seen a smile like that on Daryl Dixon. "What's got you so happy Son?"
Daryl just kept smiling as he handed his boss the report card. Horvath looked at it and then smiled just as broadly as the boy while extending his hand. As he and the young man shook hands he said those words Daryl had hoped for, "You held up your end of the bargain and I'm holding up mine. Beginning Monday you're on the CNC full time. You'll need a little more training but I have a feeling within a couple of weeks you'll be working on your own. And no more janitorial duties for you. You keep your own work area clean and your tools clean and put away, that's all the cleaning you're responsible for. Someone else will be doing the other janitorial. And there's a nice raise that comes with this increased responsibility Daryl. Your summer hours are 8 to 4:30 Monday through Friday, just a half hour for lunch. How does all that sound?"
"Sounds real good Sir, thank ya so much. I'ma show ya I can do the job, make ya happy ya give me this chance."
"I'm counting on it Son."
The Greene's were just as proud as Mr. Horvath. Her Daddy told him, "I knew you could bring those grades up Son and I'm proud that you wanted to. I'll tell you what, now that you've done so well and you've gotten the insurance, you're welcome to use your truck freely. And when you and Beth go to your movies you can drive her. You just promise me you'll mind the speed limit and you'll both wear your seats belts."
"Thanks Sir, I promise I'll be careful."
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Daryl didn't want to go to Caesar and Rosita's wedding, why would he? He barely knew them, and he wasn't comfortable in most social situations anyway. He was having the feeling this was going to seem more like a funeral than a wedding. From what Beth had told him no one was particularly happy about the "celebration."
Daryl didn't understand any of it and he didn't want to be a part of it. But Beth was going for her friend, for Rosita. Daryl was going for Beth.
Everyone tried to put on a happy face, the few guests that had been invited all acted like it was a happy occasion, but there was a definite undercurrent of what felt more like sadness.
Beth just prayed hard that somehow it would work out, that Rosita, Caesar and their baby could become a happy family.
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Their summer was going so well, it was better than they'd ever dared to hope for.
With his new position at work running high tech and very expensive machinery, and being trusted to produce quality parts that met critical specifications, Daryl's self-confidence had been given a boost. He was happier. With every paycheck he cashed he was feeling more and more like a responsible and capable adult.
Her farm chores were much more demanding of her time during the busy summer months, so Beth had taken only a part time job. She was working at a fabric store in town from one to five. She and Daryl were saving as much money as they could. They had a plan; they were going to build a house someday. Their own home.
Daryl waited for her to get off work every afternoon then they'd drive to the farm and do chores until supper. It stayed light so much later on those summer evenings and they were enjoying "walks" almost every night after supper. Daddy had even started letting them go for drives more and more often. Life was good for the young couple and they were enjoying this extra time alone, but they were still being careful, still taking it slow. What happened with Caesar and Rosita had put some fear in them, but more than that, they knew they weren't quite ready. Beth wasn't ready.
She worried and she shared that worry with him, "I hope you're not mad or disappointed Trouble, you know how much I love you, and I do think about that and that someday I'd like that with you. It's just that I'm not ready yet."
"Sunshine ya know I ain't mad an I ain't disappointed. I'd wait for ya forever. I told ya I ain't pushin' ya for nuthin' an I ain't. Please don't talk like that no more, I love ya an it ain't cuz I want that."
Not everything had changed with the young couple. The thing that hadn't changed, the thing they just couldn't seem to stop doing, no matter how much time they got to spend together was sneak around. They never did get to a Saturday matinee, they had something else they'd much rather do on those Saturdays. What that meant was getting on the motorcycle and riding to his spot in the woods. It was now their spot. It was the place they just had to be.
There were a few things in their pattern that had changed. Now that he wasn't working on Saturdays he'd drive to the farm and pick her up in the old truck. They'd leave with a wave and a smile to her folks, and go right to the alley behind the movie theater. He'd park the truck and they'd put on their boots, their leather jackets and helmets, get on that Bike and ride.
They didn't even worry about getting caught anymore. They'd been sneaking off for months now and everything had always been so seamless, so problem free. They'd get to their spot and practice with the bow, maybe do some tracking or a little fishing and there was always a lot of kissing. And holding on, and maybe just a little experimenting. But no matter how tempted they were, they didn't go "there."
They'd been looking forward to the long 4th of July weekend. They'd both have the holiday, Monday, off work. Mama was going to pack a picnic dinner and they'd all be going to the big park in town. There would be local bands playing music and booths selling lemonade, hot dogs, ice cream and cotton candy. It was always fun and everyone seemed to be in such a happy and festive mood. They'd spread a blanket on the ground and have their dinner, and when it got dark the fire department would be putting on the annual fireworks show. They were excited to watch that together.
The Sunday before Daryl arrived just as they got home from church, he wanted to help Beth with her chores because they had some place to go. Daddy had agreed the two of them could go fishing after Sunday dinner and they were feeling anxious to be on their own for the afternoon. Daddy had even said they didn't have to be home until dark.
What Daddy didn't know was they'd be going on the Bike to "their" spot to do that fishing.
They drove to the movie theater, just like they'd done so many times, they got themselves ready and they were gone on that Bike. They really did do some fishing when they got there. It would be good to have fish to take home, to show her folks that fishing really was what they'd been doing.
They even had pretty good luck. Daryl had the fish on a stringer, still in the cool water to keep them from spoiling, as they rewarded themselves for their success with some time on the sleeping bag.
When they knew they'd better get going Daryl put the fish in the small canvas bag, they cleaned up the campsite and got themselves ready to go.
There were two problems, the Bike's rear tire had gone almost completely flat, and the Bike wouldn't start. Daryl tried every trick he could think of. Part of the problem was he didn't have his full set of tools with him. He kept those at the shop.
Maybe it was the dimming light, maybe it was the pressure of being a teenager and worrying about getting his girl home before they got in some really big trouble. Whatever it was, nothing seemed to be going his way.
"I'm sorry Sunshine. All I can do is wait an try an get myself ta town, get my tools or get the truck. Shit I'm so sorry."
She was scared, real scared. It wasn't that she thought anything would happen to them at the camp. Daryl practically lived there and he knew how to take care of everything, and she knew he'd take care of her. What she was scared of was by the time they did get home Daddy would kill them both. There was just no way she could see this ending well.
He tried and tried again but he still wasn't having any success and it just kept getting darker and darker. She could see how exhausted and frustrated he'd become. He was cussing the Bike, but most of all he was cussing himself. As scared as she was she was more concerned for him. "It's okay Daryl you need to take a break. I know you're tired and hungry. Let's have our fish and rest. When it's daylight you can try some more."
Finally they decided they'd call, they'd be in terrible trouble but it was better than not going home at all. The problem was there was no cell signal.
When they weren't home at dark Daddy was just aggravated, thinking they'd disobeyed and he'd be giving them both a talking to. But with each passing hour he and Mama got more anxious, more concerned, more fearful.
They'd been grasping at straws; they'd called Rosita and even Dale Horvath. No one had seen the young couple. Finally at 10:30 Daddy called the sheriff's office. He could tell by his tone the young deputy didn't take the matter seriously. Hershel Greene was right, the deputy just assumed they were a couple of kids probably out doing what teenagers do, drinking beer and messing around.
But by one a.m Daddy had been calling him every half hour and the deputy had gotten to the point he just wanted to shut Hershel Greene up. He got in his patrol car and took a ride around town. He found the truck in the alley behind the movie theater. Maybe there was trouble with the vehicle, maybe they'd called the boys' father for a ride. He tried to find a number but apparently Will Dixon didn't have a phone, so the deputy just headed to the boys' home to see if the kid was there and to chat with the young mans' father.
He didn't know Will Dixon, the deputy was fairly new to the area and hadn't run into the man yet. He was appalled by the look of the place from the outside, but not nearly as appalled as he was when the man answered his knock. He could see from the doorway the place was a sty. There was a terrible stench of body odor mixed with alcohol and the distinctive smell of pot.
It was obvious the man was drunk, high and pissed off at the intrusion and the world in general. He was particularly incensed that an officer of the law had interrupted his drinking and doping. When the deputy asked, "Is your son Daryl home sir?" The man had thrown his empty beer bottle to the floor and yelled, "What the fuck did that worthless little piece a shit do now?"
The deputy could see why the kid hadn't come home, who would? Still the officer pursued his duty, "He's not being accused of any sort of crime sir, its just that he's late getting his girlfriend home."
"Shit, ya kiddin' me?" The man let out a loud humorless laugh. "She must be as worthless as him, hangin' out with a loser like that little bastard."
The deputy had only been on the job three months, and in this mostly peaceful town he'd never encountered anyone or anything even remotely like Will Dixon. "Well sir let me give you my card. If your son should come home please have him give me a call. The girl's parents are quite concerned."
Will Dixon looked at the deputy, threw his card on the floor, just like he had the beer bottle and hollered, "Fuck you officer," and slammed the door.
The deputy was just glad to get the hell out of there.
They were grateful they'd caught those fish, Sunday dinner had worn off long ago. Daryl started a small fire and cooked them in an old fry pan on a grate he'd rigged up. They held hands by the fire and talked about how worried they were, how sure they were they were in the worst trouble of their lives, a kind of trouble they may never get out of. She kept trying to assure him she wasn't angry and that she didn't blame him. But she knew Daryl, he always felt responsible for everything when it came to her.
Finally they lay down in the sleeping bag, holding on tight to one another, knowing once they got home it would likely be a very long time before they were even allowed to see each other again.
Mama and Daddy were frantic, they didn't know what in the world to do or think. When the deputy said the truck was parked behind the movie theater they were really baffled. The couple had said they were going fishing. Had they changed plans, and if so, why? And why was the truck still there? They both had phones, if there was trouble surely one of them would call.
Mama was desperate and desperate people take desperate action, she went to search Beth's room. She didn't believe in spying but maybe there would be some hint, some clue as to where the young couple may be. She checked in the drawers, the closet, the jewelry box. Nothing. Finally she checked the place everyone thought to hide their biggest secrets, whether it may be a stash of money or a diary.
She pulled the notebook out from under the mattress, took a deep breath and flipped through the pages. When she saw the drawing she had to sit down, before she fell down. She'd recognize Daryl's work anywhere and the drawing itself was beautiful, but the subject matter was so upsetting, it was something Mama never wanted to see.
And there was a dilemma, should she show her husband? It wasn't her nature to hide things from him but she had serious concern about how he'd react. It wouldn't help their search and would only serve to upset him more. And sadly, she still had found nothing that would lead them to their daughter and Daryl.
She decided they didn't need the added anxiety right then, and she slipped the notebook back under the mattress.
They hadn't slept well and at first light he started out. "Ya stay right here in camp Beth, no matter how long I'm gone. The worst thing ya could do is wander off, that's how people get lost for good. I'll be back for ya as soon as I can get ta town an get the truck. Wait k?"
"Yes Daryl, I promise." They shared one more long hard kiss and he was gone.
He managed to hitch a ride with a delivery truck and he made it to the theater by six a.m. He'd expected the truck to start and yet was surprised when it did, things hadn't been going that well. Grateful something was going right, he drove to her.
They were both so nervous they were on the verge of throwing up when they pulled into the old farm's driveway. Mama and Daddy were standing there on the big porch. "I'm sorry Sunshine, so fuckin' sorry. I love ya so much."
"I'm sorry too Trouble and no matter what just remember I love you more than anything."
Daryl didn't get a chance to open her door, the minute he'd stopped the vehicle her Daddy had pulled it open. Daryl was trying to be and to act like a man as he hurriedly walked around the truck to speak to Hershel Greene.
The Greenes had been up all night. They'd feared the worst, they were on edge. Hershel Greene was not a cruel man, but he was an angry man and in the heat of anger words are often spoken that a person wishes they had never said. Everyone knows words can cut deeper than the sharpest knife, and the thing about words is they can never be unheard.
Daryl started to speak, "Sir lemme…" And Daddy's reaction was nothing but hateful.
"I don't want to hear a word from you Daryl Dixon. I don't think I'd believe or trust anything you said. I don't know why I ever did. I knew the first time I laid eyes on you you were going to be nothing but trouble for my family. I want you out of here now and don't come back. Go on, get."
Beth was crying, "Daddy please let us explain."
"Oh you'll have plenty of time to try and explain young lady."
It was easy to forget how things really were for Daryl, what with all the big changes these past few months. Because now, at least on the surface, things were mostly good for the young man, he'd become more self-confident, he'd become a better student, moved up in his job, and he'd behaved in a mature and reasonable manner. Daryl may have been doing the work of a man, he may be able to survive on his own without a parent. But the truth of the matter was Daryl Dixon was still just a boy. A 17 year old boy who'd been beaten down and told he was worthless for all of his young life.
He looked at her Daddy, he was a boy fighting hard to be every bit a man, to keep his voice strong and steady and not let tears fall, "I'ma go just like ya want me to, just don't hurt Beth, it ain't her fault, it's mine, you're right. I'm nuthin' but trouble. A worthless piece a shit, it's all I ever have been. I already knew that. Sorry."
He didn't get in the truck – he just threw the keys in the open window and ran down the driveway.
Daddy was already wishing he could take back his own harsh words.
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A/N Geez, I ruined my own day with that. I'm sorry, when I laid this story out I didn't realize this chapter would come up on Christmas Eve. If you're so inclined, please leave a comment / review. Thank you and I do wish you all a Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Happy Day in General. x gneebee
The chapter photo is a collage and yes, they're on the Bike. It's posted on my tumblr bethylmethbrick. If you have a chance please check out my new Bethyl story, One Cold Night. I hope to see you back next Saturday for more Trouble. Thanks so much and remember, I love ya large xo gneebee