Little Addy May – "Goin' to town."
Hey everyone! I'm back. Yayy! I hope you all enjoy this long chapter. It dives a bit deeper into the characters and sets up for some…things lol.
I'm still debating whether I should continue with this story or not as it was just something I wanted to try, but it seemed like there was a lot more interest than I initially expected. If you would like me to continue this story or want to see anything particular, please let me know. I'm always up for suggestions.
WARNING: This chapter contain talk of SPANKING (Domestic Discipline/Corporal Punishment) of an adult female by an adult male. If this offends you – don't read. Also, there is crude language, swearing and mentions of sexual assault (no graphic descriptions).
"I'm hotter than a freshly fucked fox in a damn forest fire." Merle declared vulgarly as he marched into the trailer wiping the beaded sweet from his brow.
Addy cringed crinkling her nose at the crude saying, along with the potent ripe stench of body odor, dirt and grime that emanate off the man filling the small space of the trailer.
Addy turned to look at the dirty man who was drenched in sweat and grime from working for hours in the hot Georgia sun. His bare muscular arms were displayed prominently budging from the strain and excursion of manual labor. Beads of sweat glistened against his tanned skin, hues of red beginning to burn the surface.
"Charming." Addy murmured out sarcastically, just loud enough for Merle to hear it.
"Outta my way, girl." Merle bit out demandingly feeling his temper rise at her sarcasm finding it irritating his already heated nerves.
Addy sighed heavy as she lifted her hands out of the soapy water of the sink to face the rude man.
"Can you say please?" Addy admonished challengingly rising an eyebrow at the man bravely meeting his hard irked features. Addy did not find it out of Merle's competence to simply be polite; it was not a momentous request to ask for manners. Or so she thought. However, it appeared Merle was in no way pleased to oblige her. Nor did he like being told what to do by the little woman who, in his mind, had no right to bitch at him under his roof.
Without a word, the tired irritated man snatched her bicep in a firm grasp before briskly jerking the young woman to the side. Merle swung back his arm landing his flattened palm hard across the young woman's unsuspecting bottom propelling her in his desired direction which was out of the path of the refrigerator.
Addy grunted feeling her pelvis jerk forward making her feet stumble at the force of the blow. The sting blossomed over her right butt cheek feeling it slowly fading into a dull ache sinking deep into her heated skin.
Ow.
Addy immediately whirled around so her front was facing the man, keeping her backside far away from man's ridiculously hard hand. Addy shot him a reproachful glare as she reached back rubbing a comforting palm over her assaulted cheek feeling obliged to do so as half his body was safety hidden from view behind the fridge door.
Once Merle straightened his body up pulling out a cold can of beer, Addy's glare, oddly, did not falter in intimidation as she expected. Whether it was due to pure stubbornness or the fact that she felt wronged, she did not know nor did she much care.
Merle flung the fridge door shut popping the can open taking a long swing, his Adam's apple bobbing as he downed the cold bitter brew. All the while, keeping an eye on the woman who was giving him quite a scathing look.
"Careful, little Addy May, that pretty little face of yers is gonna freeze like that." Merle admonished condescendingly as he gesturing a finger at her keeping a loose hold on his half empty beer can.
"Would it kill you to be just a little bit…I don't know, polite?" Addy growled out the last word heatedly emphasizing it in the hopes that it would somehow penetrate Merle's stubbornly rude disposition to be an asshole.
"Ya want polite society? Ya ain't gonna find it here, girl. I ain't no pansy ass choir boy that's gonna mind his p's and q's. And I certainly ain't gonna have no woman tellin' me what ta do under my roof." Merle admonished sternly pointing a stiff finger in her direction.
Addy felt her teeth grit at his authoritative bullshit.
"Ya know people aren't gonna like you if insist on being a total asshole all the time." Addy boldly expressed finding it damn near impossible not to fault him on such ridged ignorance.
Merle cocked his head to the side giving the woman a pointed look, his mouth pulling up into a fake sneering smirk.
"Ooo ya givin' me a lot of lip there, little Addy, I'd watch that sassy little mouth of yers 'fore ya find yerself over my knee gettin' yer britches tanned 'fore five o'clock." Merle warned condescendingly, his blue eyes twinkling with mockery. His tone was just foreboding enough to make Addy feel immensely uncomfortable.
Addy's jaw dropped open in fearful astonishment, a look of disgust crossing over her gentle features.
"You-You can't do that, just because you don't like what I say." Addy argued appalled at the prospect of needing to watch everything she said around the man. Especially the things that were undeniably true in her mind. It was clear Merle had it in his mind to spank her for simply sassing him which was not only wrong on so many levels, but also exceedingly unfair and toxically controlling. What kind of a jerk does that?
"Oh I can, little darlin'. Ya want me to show ya?" Merle threatened far too cheerfully as he took a single step towards Addy like he was going to demonstrate his ability to spank the young woman without a second thought.
"NO!" Addy practically bellowed taking a large step back from the muscular man feeling her body swarm with trepidation as memories of the painful spanking she received from Merle flooded back into her mind.
Merle raised his eyebrows up, a look of amusement shined behind a mocking sneer as his piercing blue eyes regarded her smugly. He looked almost as if he was both shocked and pleased by her reaction to his threat.
"I mean, no, sir." Addy found herself saying calmly shocking herself at her submissive response. However, it seemed intimidation got the best of her and anything to help her keep her bottom away from Merle's calloused palm was a priority.
"Awwh see, yer learnin'." Merle cooed condescendingly widening his tight humorless smirk before immediately wiping it off his face turning away from the young woman to rest his tired limbs in his recliner.
Addy just watch him warily as he settled himself back into the tattered cushions not realizing that she was holding her breath until the man's behind was firmly planted in the seat. Merle slouched in the raggedy chair, leaning his head stiffly back against the seat, his white wifebeater stained with fresh sweat and dirt crinkled along his tight abdomen.
"Go on and finish them dishes." Merle ordered gesturing lazily to the sink filled with soapy water.
Addy narrowed her earthy green eyes slightly at the rude command feeling irritation replace her anxiety extraordinarily quickly.
"They're done." Addy bit out tightly.
"Well don't just stand there lookin' dumb, girl, go on and make yerself useful somewhere else. Git." Merle demanded rudely apparently wanting to be alone and obtain some peace and quiet without her company. Merle did that far too often then Addy appreciated, almost like she was in his way for one thing or another. However, when she made herself scarce, out of pure stubbornness in response to Merle's indifference toward her, he seemed to get annoyed which only confused the poor woman making her frustrated that she could not understand the chaotic man.
Addy huffed rolling her eyes exasperated before turning around to rid herself of the man's company. However, the young woman stopped in her tracks, as she remembered she needed to ask Merle something important. She had been putting it off for far too long and if she kept stalling, she would be up shit creek without a paddle. Addy took a deep breath of courage before turning back around to face the man who was leaning back in the chair with his eyes now closed, but his body remained stiff and ridged like always.
"Um Merle…" Addy hesitated in a kind of meek voice that made her want to cringe. Why was she being such a whimp about this? Addy was kicking herself for acting so timid towards the man. Although she really couldn't blame herself as the man nearly stripped the hide off her backside with his belt only a few weeks ago. Not to mention Merle was an unhinged and unpredictable asshole.
"Thought I told ya ta git?" Merle asked his tone edged with irritation, his eyes still remaining closed.
"I um…I need to go to town." Addy stated softly as she regarded the man carefully.
That seemed to get the man's attention as he snapped open his eyes and turned to look directly at the woman. He slowly leaned forward in his recliner resting his forearms on his thighs regarding her intently and directly.
"What for?" Merle asked suspiciously raising an eye brow at her perhaps thinking that she planned on running away again or worse looking for her good for nothing piece of shit ex-boyfriend of hers.
"I need some clothes and…underthings and some feminine, um, stuff." Addy bit her lip looking as uncomfortable as she felt.
Without a word Merle lifted his backside off the chair just enough to pull out a rushed carton of Marlboros from his back jean pocket. Merle slid the last stick out of the pack before carelessly tossing the empty box onto the makeshift side table. The man snatched his lighter off the table igniting his cancer stick letting the acrid smell of nicotine surround the small space as he blew the white smoke through his nose, all the while never glancing up at the woman.
"I just need a few things, it shouldn't cost too much, I mean…" Addy trailed off starting to feel tremendously awkward and uncomfortable at Merle's silence. She hated asking for things knowing she was not contributing fanatically and Merle was not wealthy by any stretch of the word, in fact, it was no secret that the Dixon's were hard up. Addy gladly helped out all she could around the trailer doing chores and contributing in all ways that she was able, but there was a large part of her that still felt guilty asking for money that was ultimately not earned by herself. Addy had provided for herself most of her life until she met Eric and it was hard feeling dependent on someone. She had every intention of looking for a job as soon as possible, but there was a part of Addy that wondered if Merle would allow her since he was such a traditional man, not to mention he was controlling and domineering jerk. However, she hardly thought he would object to the extra cash in his pocket now that there was one more mouth to feed. Not that she ate that much to begin with, but she was an extra expense that he was burdened with regardless and that made her feel guilty.
Merle was silent for just long enough to make Addy wonder if he was simply rudely ignoring her. Addy shifted her feet awkwardly averting her eyes away from the man wondering if she had made him upset by asking.
The sound of the trailer door creaking open broke the uncomfortable silence. Addy spun around to see Daryl trudge into the trailer, his bare tan arms glistening with sweat, the ends of his bangs sticking to the top of his wet forehead.
Merle regarded his young brother for a brief moment before placing his cigarette loosely between his lips. Merle pushed up against his knee to stand reaching deep into his front jean pocket pulling out a few crinkled bills. Merle marched over to Daryl who stood stiffly planted where he was just inside the door sensing Merle had a mind to tell him something. Merle slapped the money onto Daryl's unsuspecting chest.
"Here, little brother. Yer goin' on a tampon run. Girl needs some clothes and woman shit." Merle rasped out evenly.
The eighteen-year-old looked dumbfound and immensely uncomfortable as he reached up and accepted the cash on his chest.
"Git some smokes too." He added as he turned to walked down the hall towards the back bedroom, but abruptly stopped in his tracks turning to face Addy directly.
"Only buy the shit that ya need now, girl, none of that fancy ass shit that ya ain't gonna need 'round here. Ya understand me, darlin'?" Merle asked wanting to make it clear to not spend his money foolishly as he knew from experience that women tended to buy unnecessary things wasting money. From knowing Addy for almost a month now he judged that the young woman had an easy and privileged life where she could afford to be careless, but she was in their world now and he certainly couldn't afford it.
Addy was well aware money was tight and did not plan on overspending. She felt bad enough spending his money and would certainly not abuse the privilege. She was simply appreciative for the opportunity to get the essentials.
"Yes, I promise. I only need a few things." Addy tried to reassure him, her vibrant green eyes blinking innocently with a grateful glimmer. Merle's hard icy blue eyes lingered on her eyes for a brief moment noting that they were as lusciously green as the leaves on the beech trees outside. He found himself oddly captivated by her earthy green eyes for a brief moment, as he had never met someone whose eyes matched the woods so vibrantly, but the man quickly snapped out of it revealing nothing.
Merle nodded once acting like he was about to turn away once again, but stopped himself.
"Oh, and little Addy…" Merle cooed overly sweet causing Addy's limbs to stiffen and her breath to catch in her throat.
"I find ya takin' off ta somewhere ya ain't supposed ta be, I'll blister that little ass of yers black and blue. You stay with Daryl. No wonderin' off. Got it, little girl?" His voice had dropped down to a dangerous tone of warning, his features stiff and serious. Addy's good for nothing low life ex was still alive and kicking and Merle had no desire for her to interact with the dangerous man ever again. He did not want her off somewhere alone too soon after the incident. He knew too many men like Eric who did not take 'no' for an answer and was just stupid enough to not take his threat to leave town seriously. Merle was almost certain, Eric, was one of those stupid types. However, he had no desire to express this to Addy as he did not want to put frightening thoughts into her head, not to mention letting his rising soft feelings for the woman be known.
Addy felt her body go ridged with undeinable dread feeling her chest tighten and her butt muscles clench involuntarily at the very thought of Merle spanking her again. It had been almost two weeks since Merle had expressed his authority by taking it out on her hide with his belt and the memory of the pain and embarrassment was burned freshly in her memory. A flash of trepidation crossing over her features as she visibly swallowed, but to Addy's surprise she recovered rather quickly. The fear she was feeling was not unaccompanied by bitter frustration and resentment of being treating so harshly. She still felt strongly that the spanking was unwarranted and immensely wrong on all levels. Although there was a small part of Addy that knew what she did was careless and stupid, she did not find Merle's unorthodox method of discipline justifiable or fair.
"Now why would I go somewhere I shouldn't? You both are such wonderful company." Addy expressed boldly; her words edged with sarcasm which made her heart beat wildly in her chest.
Addy bravado faltered as soon as the words left her mouth. Before Addy had time to take in Merle's reaction, she turned her heals and quickly walked out the trailer without another word.
Merle stood stiffly where he was, a bit taken back by the woman's unexpected brashness.
The gruff man had a mind to march after her and show her just what he thought about her sarcasm to his very serious statement. However, the man was just far too tired deal with it and if he was being honest with himself, he was far too moody to be fair towards the woman. Not that he felt the need to be fair as he was the man around here. However, Merle was not too worried about her not taking him seriously. He felt he had made it abundantly clear to the woman that he was not above giving her ass whopping for disobeying him. She wasn't that dumb to test him.
There was also an odd part of him that felt a fondness for her spark of bravery, she was not this timid little thing he had been led to believe. She had a fire inside of her that was alluring and commendable to him, while simultaneously aggravating him which confused Merle making him want to grind his teeth.
Merle huffed sharply before turning to Daryl jerking his chin towards the door. "Watch her, little brother." Merle ordered in a grave tone before turning to head to the bathroom for a much-needed shower. Part of him regretted not taking the woman himself, but just scoffed at himself for his weak and irrational feelings. Why the hell should he care so much about the annoying privileged little brat? It was grinding on his nerves and left the man irritated and testy and gravely unsatisfied.
Daryl simply stood where he was for a beat feeling a bitter frustration build up in him as he had no desire to go to town and baby sit the woman while she shopped for female stuff. The teenager was tired and moody himself, but he knew Merle's order was not a suggestion and had no desire to start an argument or push his brothers heated temper by complaining. Complaining got you nothing, but more problems. Besides Daryl knew the woman needed clothes and if he was being honest with himself, the possibility of her ex-boyfriend making an appearance in town was far too high for his liking as well. Therefore, the teenager shoved the cringed bills in his jean pocket and with an irked huff threw open the trailer door before flinging it shut with a firm slam behind him.
Addy would be lying if she said she wasn't surprised that Merle didn't remark on her sarcasm or snap at her with another threat. For whatever his reason, she was grateful and sighed with relief as Merle did not follow her outside. It was rather embarrassing just how much her smart remark made her nervous and she found herself regretting it as soon as she stupidly tested his temper, but Merle was chaotic and not always consistent. It was frustrating to not be able to predict the man's reactions, it was a mystery and often left the woman walking on egg shells around him. He was an unreadable intimidating man and Addy wondered just what the hell was going on in that chaotic mind of his.
Addy felt her body relax as she walked over to the old rusty red 1980 Chevy pickup truck that sat next to the dilapidated garage. The old truck was rusted and beat to hell and Addy wondered just how much life she had left in her. Despite the truck being in rough shape, the engine and the tires were in good shape and Addy knew Daryl and Merle worked hard to keep the old chevy running. She noticed for the short time she has been with the Dixon brothers that they kept things running and lasting as long as possible stretching their hard-earned dollars as far as they could go which Addy both admired and commended them for it.
Addy watched Daryl as he marched towards her not looking too pleased to be taking her to town. Addy bit her lip feeling a pinch of guilt as the teenager passed her without saying a word. Daryl got into the driver's side flinging the door shut.
"Well, ya comin' or not?" Daryl snapped frustrated at Addy's lack of motion. "I ain't got all day."
Addy immediately moved to get into the passenger side. Once Addy's door was shut, Daryl turned the key in the ignition. The truck sputtered and protest as he attempted to start it.
"Piece of shit." Daryl grumbled before trying it once more as the truck barely roared to life. Daryl threw the truck into drive and started down the wide dirt path. The truck jerked and bounced along the uneven ground. Addy grabbed onto the front of the dash to steady herself. She watched carefully taking note of the paths Daryl drove down to get to the main road. Addy felt a bit of embarrassment as she recalled her night time hike through the woods two weeks ago. She inwardly cringed at how she stupidly veered off the clear path in hopes that she could avoid Daryl and Merle and find her own way to the main road which proved to be a grave, not to mention very painful mistake.
Once they finally made it to the main country road, Addy took her hand off the dash and leaned back against the tattered lumpy bench seat. She peered over at Daryl who had his eyes fixed on the road ahead a firm expression on his tanned face. Addy sighed looking away from the teenager before reaching over and turning on the radio wanting to fill the awkward silence.
Daryl glanced down at Addy, his hard eyes narrowing a touch as she turned the radio dial through broken static attempting to get a station. After only a few seconds, the static cleared abruptly and the speakers blared with a recognizable country song that filled Addy with childish delight.
The young woman smiled broadly before bobbing her head to the upbeat voice of Shania Twain.
"Any man of mine…" Addy began to sing along loudly with enthusiasm. "Better walk the line."
Addy looked at Daryl, not missing the sour displeased expression he was making. However, Addy didn't mind as Daryl's grumpy attitude did not have to suppress her excitement of a simple joy. Perhaps she could get him to at least smile. Something she noticed he did not do as often as he should have.
"Don't." Daryl grumbled sounding annoyed and embarrassed which only fueled Addy to continue wanting to tease the boy pulling him out of his desire to be a killjoy.
"Better show me a teasin', squeezin', pleasin' kind of time." Addy continued passionately shaking her shoulders forward and back before pointing a finger at him with overly gusto.
Daryl heard as much as he could stand and immediately flicked the radio off.
"Party pooper." Addy admonished teasingly.
"Ya wanna hear real music?" Daryl asked as he reaching over her into the disorganized glove box pulling out an old cassette tape. Daryl shut the glove box with a hard click then pushed the tape into the player.
The mellow country beat of Lynyrd Skynyrd vibrated smoothly against the old speakers of the truck.
If I leave here tomorrow, would you still remember me? For I must be traveling on now, 'cause there's too many places I've got to see…
"Now that's some good shit, right there." Daryl declared strongly nodding his head to the smooth rhythm.
Addy just simply smiled at let the teenager enjoying the mellow rock song of the man's raspy vocals finding herself nodding along, a content expression on her young tan face.
They rode the rest of the way in satisfied silence listening to the music and enjoying the peaceful country landscape of the Georgia backwoods. Addy found herself enjoying the ride feeling content to spend some time out of the trailer and do something interesting for a change. Not that going to town was all that exciting, but a change in scenery was something she needed for her sanity, not to mention getting away from Merle for a few hours was not an unwelcomed thought.
Daryl veered the old chevy in front of Value Village, a local second-hand store, where Addy had been twice before since she arrived in the small Georgia town. It was a nice clean store where you could get fairly good quality stuff for cheap. It all just depended on what was available and how lucky you were. Value Village sat next to the local mom and pop gas station that shared a small gravel lot that was lined along the main road, with the Tucker's General Store that was attached to it.
If Addy was being honest with herself, she was excited to shop, she was in every sense a feminine woman and loved the idea of getting out of her dirty worn jeans and Merle's oversized flannels. Daryl and Merle did not own a washer; therefore, all the clothes were washed in the tub in the trailer or if they were so inclined, they could take the dirty clothes to town and wash them at the local laundry mat. However, they did not do that often, as Addy took it upon herself to do all the laundry, not simply because it was a way for her to help out the men who kept a roof over her head and food in her stomach, but both the brothers overwore the clothes to the point of being unsanitary by Addy's standards. The Dixon's also kept to themselves and did not go to town often if they could avoid it. Addy didn't fully understand why, but she assumed they just kept to themselves and did not like to socialize. They were isolated and independent and that's just the way they liked it.
The creaky hinges squeak as Addy opened the rusty passenger door shutting it behind her. The afternoon sun beat down on her making Addy suddenly miss the shade of the tall trees that covered the Dixon property. Addy was about to round the back of the truck when she stopped dead in her tracks as she spotted the Black Rock Tavern. Her chest caved in harshly feeling her body tense with dreadful recollection. Addy swallowed hard feeling her throat become tight and raw recalling the horrifying chain of events that led her to the back ally of the bar where Eric decided she was no longer a human being who deserved respect or decency. It was a shocking switch of personality as the man she thought she knew revealed his true colors to be nothing but shockingly sadistic and vile. An aching sadness and bitterness still swarmed her troubled heart as she recalled the harsh and foul words, he had spat at her. She could still remember the painful blows of the back of his hand and the rough callous way he jostled her about like a rag doll, not deserving to be handle with care. She could recall vividly every action he took to rid her of her clothes in the small ally behind the bar, the way he snarled and spat and cursed at her as he attempted to take what he wanted by force when she adamantly refused him in his drunken state.
Daryl rounded the back of the truck ready to tell Addy to move her ass, but immediately stopped as he saw her stricken face staring at the bar across the street. Daryl's critical eyes softened a touch but kept his features visibly stiff. He waited for a long moment giving the distressed woman some space before approaching her.
"Come on, girl." He graveled out calmly and soothingly as he grabbed her forearm giving her a gentle tug.
Addy flinched harshly gasping loudly at the unexpected pull on her arm feeling her heart lurch out of her chest. Daryl immediately let go of her arm putting his hands out in a surrendering gesture showing her wasn't going to grab her again.
Addy put her head down suddenly feeling immensely embarrassed at her extreme jumpiness. Daryl did nothing wrong and she shouldn't have flinched like he was going to hurt her. She just was so deep in thought reliving the memory that she did not hear the man speak or approach her.
"Sorry." Addy mumbled embarrassed averting her eyes away from him.
"It's fine." His southern voice rumbled out calmly looking down at the gravel hiding behind his sweeping wet bangs. He was not offended at all as he knew exactly what it was like to flinch involuntarily. It just happened and part of him felt guilty for touching her when she was obviously distressed. He did not blame her as what happened that night was no pleasant memory. It left the young eighteen-year-old rageful and spiteful at the man who assaulted and attempted to rape the young woman. And although, Merle beat him to a bloody pulp and threatened to cut off his family jewels if he ever showed his face around her again, Daryl could not help but feel the man go off easy. Now that he knew the kind of woman Addy was, he found himself overly protective of her and if the man ever dared showed his face in this town again, he darkly promised to join his brother in showing him why everyone around here feared the Dixon name.
"Here." He said handing her a crumpled ten dollar bill.
Addy extended her hand and accept the cash still keeping her eyes on the gravel below. The young woman had a 'thank you' on the tip of her tongue, but found herself remaining silent still embarrassed and somewhat wrongfully ashamed at what had happened. Being the damsel in distress was shameful to her and the fact that she would even associate herself with someone so disgusting and vile felt like a damage to her character in some way. How stupid did one have to be to associate with someone like that, let alone have as a boyfriend? Why didn't she see any of the red flags before? Did she care so little about herself to let this happen? There was a part of her that was so taken back by the whole situation, due to the fact that Eric had many good qualities that made her feel loved or what she thought was love. Perhaps she didn't know the meaning of that word anymore and that made her tremendously distraught.
Stupid, blind, weak, immature idiot. Addy thought harmfully and unfairly.
"Buy only whatcha need. No fancy shit…" Daryl graveled out reiterating Merle's demands to her.
Addy couldn't stop herself from rolling her eyes at the teenager's orders. What 'fancy shit' could she buy with ten dollars at Value Village?
"Don't cut yer eyes at me, girl." Daryl warned sharply not liking the disrespectful and immature gesture.
Addy would be lying if she said the stern tone coming from the eighteen-year-old didn't make her chest tighten with anxiety, but despite that Addy found it in poor taste. Merle's overbearingness was enough and she didn't need Daryl up her ass about things too. That was just too much for the woman to handle and remain sane. Addy felt a surge of bravery shoot through her as she snapped her attention up toward the teenager.
"You know, you should really respect your elders, boy. Don't forget I'm two years older than you." Addy declared boldly just dying to know his response to that. Although, her tone was teasing, part of Addy was serious as Daryl was just barely an adult. Not that her two year age status was much older to make a significant difference, but it was the principle of the matter Addy kept telling herself. Besides, she craved respect as she often did not receive it. She was a small petite woman with an innocent face and Merle's overbearingness made her feel significantly younger playing off her insecurities of her small stature and wish to be taken seriously. She was a grown woman and she should be treated as such.
Daryl just scoffed at her throwing his arm up dismissively finding her statement was immure having the opposite effect to what she was intending. "Ya sure as hell don't act like it. Just hurry up and buy yer shit. I'm gettin' some smokes."
Addy just shook her head at Daryl feeling a small smile tug at her lips as she watched him walk over to the gas station. She'd get him to smile more, even if it killed her.
Addy tried to make good use of her time as she collected two practical bras and a pack of cotton underwear. There were a few pretty lacy pairs of panties that she found alluring and tempting, but that would follow under the category of 'fancy shit'. Part of Addy secretly thought of just buying a pair as Merle would never be the wiser, but the thought of getting her 'britches' pulled down for spanking made her rethink her initial idea as the pink lacy fabric would surely be noticed then. Not that she planned on being spanked ever again, but God the man was so unpredictable and mean that she wouldn't put it past him to do something so cruel again. Addy sighed and began to grab practical things such as a brush, hair ties, a plain light pink ballcap and feminine pads. Addy also collected another pair of long light washed jeans, two athletic shorts, a t-shirt, two tang tops and one light weight floral dress. While the dress wasn't necessarily practical, it would keep her cool in the hot Georgia heat while she went about her chores. There was nothing wrong about looking a little pretty while doing chores.
Addy was exceedingly proud of herself at her smart shopping as the total came to only $9.75.
"Is this all fer ya, darlin'?" The sweet plump lady with thick red curly hair asked. "Did ya see the rack over yonder, only twenty cents?" She gestured kindly trying to get Addy to purchase more.
"Yes, ma'am. I did. Um actually…" Addy said reaching behind her to take the rose-pink lace underwear off the pile of the small display table. "I'll take these too." She said decidedly just simply wanting something pretty to wear even though she would be the only one to see it, at least she hoped she'd be the only one to see it.
"Oh, ain't these pretty." The lady exclaimed sweetly before leaning forward towards Addy like she had a secret. "Good choice, darlin', us ladies need some pretty things now and then." She whispered giving her a charming wink that looked absolutely adorable on the older woman's face. Addy pressed her lips together casting her eyes downward trying to suppressed a chuckle that was in her throat.
"Alright, Dearie, yer all set. Is there anything else I can help ya with?" The lady asked as she handed Addy her two bags.
"No, ma'am, I think I'm good." Addy declared in a friendly tone giving the older woman a kind smile.
"Alright then, ya'll come back and see us again." The lady waved as Addy headed for the door hoping Daryl would not scold her for taking a long time. Although, Addy did not feel she took too long, Daryl and Merle's definition of long was ultimately different then her's.
However, as soon as Addy reached the glass door, she was stopped in her tracks by a familiar friendly voice.
"Addy! Addy May!" Her southern draw exclaimed excitedly echoing through the small store.
Addy whirled around to see Maisie darting towards her, her dirty blonde locks swishing behind her as she ran towards Addy.
Addy smiled broadly at the young woman feeling her heart rushing with contentment at that the familiar face.
"Maisie." Addy said with joy as the woman rushed over to her wrapping her arms around Addy's waist making her drop her bags and stumble back. Addy giggled slightly as Maisie always managed to make her feel cherished in the most innocent and simple ways.
The young nineteen-year-old woman squeezed Addy into her embrace for a moment before releasing her. As the young woman faced Addy, a look of sincere concern crossed over Maisie's feminine features as she blinked her big pale blue eyes at her.
"Girl, I was so worried about ya. Ya doin' alright?" She asked sounding hopeful with a clear need for reassurance.
"Yeah, I'm fine." Addy said trying to give her worried friend the comfort she desired and the truth of the matter was she was fine, in the sense that she was away from Eric.
"You were gone fer like weeks, I thought ya might have left town or somethin'." Maisie expressed her dark brows frowning with worry, her tone edging on accusing. Addy felt a twinge of guilt build up in her as she did not attempt to reach out to her friend to ease her concern. In fact, she hadn't even thought of it which made her feel both shameful and embarrassed. She honestly, only knew Maisie for four short mouths, but the loving sweet girl seemed to latch onto Addy and considered her a close friend regardless of their short time together which Addy was exceedingly grateful for. Ever since Eric's friend from college got him a job in this small Georgia town, Addy was often lonely not knowing anyone and Maisie was the friendly constant whose heart seemed to have plenty of room for the lonely outsider from Virginia.
"I'm so sorry, Maisie." Addy expressed genuinely feeling a hurt form in her gut at her selfishness. "After everything happened, Merle and Daryl…"
"You ain't stayin' with them Dixons still are ya?" Maisie interrupted, urgency and concern laced in her tone.
Addy's lips parted to reassure her friend that everything was fine, but Maisie couldn't help but continue.
"Tell me you ain't?" She implored clearly sounding like it was a mistake to be in their company.
Addy brows frowned slightly a look of guilt crossing over her face for the simple reason it seemed Maisie did not approve of her living arrangements.
"Gosh Addy May them boys ain't no good. They ain't the kind of people ya want ta be with. The Dixons 'round here ain't….nice." She added like that was the only polite word she could come up with at the moment to describe them which in all honesty offended Addy. She felt a sharp pain in her gut at the clear distain for the two men that came to her rescue when everyone else stood by or turned a blind eye. They may not be nice, but they weren't bad – they just couldn't be. And in Addy's opinion it wasn't fair of her friend to be so narrow minded.
"Maisie, they were the ones that…they saved me when…when Eric tried to…" Addy found herself embarrassingly fumbling over her words finding it hard to even talk about what had happened.
"I know, I know." Maisie said gently seeming to notice Addy's distress about the situation. "I was there." She expressed softly referring to herself being present at the bar that night. Although, Maisie had not witnessed Eric's assault and attempt to sexual violate her in the back alley behind the bar, she saw the aftermath of Merle's assault on him, practically attracting the attention of the whole bar as Merle was in no way quiet about it.
"But are they treatin' ya right? I mean they ain't hurt ya or nothin'?" Maisie inquired carefully trying not to offend her, darting her eyes downward before peering up at Addy cautiously.
"No." Addy expressed quickly. "Well, ah…no." Addy was not about to tell her about the hiding she received, which inexpressibly hurt like hell, but she opted to keep that little happenstance to herself as she was sure she would turn ten shades of red. Getting spanked at twenty years old was not something Addy wanted admit to nor talk about, experiencing it was enough.
"Um is Eric…is he…?" Addy found herself unable to get out the question she wished to ask finding it difficult to even inquire about the man.
"Oh, he's long gone as far as I know." Maisie expressed predicting Addy's question with some satisfaction in her voice.
"His face ain't pretty no more that's fer sure. Piece of shit deserved what he got. Man was lucky Merle didn't kill 'em." Maisie cast her blue eyes off to the side shaking her head with a look of disgust on her face before turning her attention back towards Addy whose features were lined with dejected pain. Despite, Eric's wrongful and hostile assault on her, Addy's heart couldn't help, but ache as she did not wish the man pain. There was still a part of her that held onto the good parts of the man who treated her decently before that night. Addy found her thoughts odd and confusing which frustrated her and saddened her to the point of torment. Why did she feel this way? He hurt her, down to the very fibers of her being, he physically and mentally tortured her and yet she could not let go of the man she once knew and thought she loved. It was a pain the sunk deep into her core and stayed there festering like a terminal disease with no cure.
"You okay though, baby? If I was you, I'd press charges on his ass. Did ya go ta the police?" Maisie asked her face softening with a kind understanding and sincerity.
"No, I-I don't want to. Merle beat him up pretty bad and I don't want him to get charged for that. I'm fine though really, he didn't get a chance to…ya know." Addy swallowed hard feeling her throat constricting painful at her words. It was true she did not want Merle charged for the assault; she was undoubtably protecting him. However, deep down, part of her kept silent for Eric's sake as well.
"Yeah, I know, baby, well…if ya need anything or a place ta stay, you come right ta me, ya hear? I'm here fer ya, whatever ya need." Maisie expressed openly as she grabbed a hold of Addy's hands giving them an encouraging squeeze.
Addy glanced up at Maisie's sweet gentle face putting on a front of bravery for her friend.
"Thank you, Maisie. You truly are good friend." Addy said giving her a soft shy smile of gratitude knowing she was very lucky to have met the woman. Looking back on it, Maisie was the one that made the days more barrable when she was with Eric.
"Nah I ain't nothin'." Maisie expressed dismissively, but there was a twinkle in her pale blue eyes that seemed pleased by the complement and it made Addy's heart feel warm with affection.
"Yer worth it." She said giving Addy a kind wink.
"Ya sure ya wanna continue ta stay with the Dixon boys? Cause I got a pull-out couch in my livin' room, yer welcome ta stay with me and Travis." Maisie offered acting like it would be no trouble, even a pleasure if she accepted. Despite the kind offer, Addy knew she would be inconveniencing them. Their trailer was far too small for three people and they would be undoubtably and uncomfortably cramped. But Maisie's heart was bigger than her trailer and Addy simply smiled as it was just the way Maisie Ray Carson was.
"Thank you, Masie, but I'm fine, really. Don't worry about me." Addy said trying to reassure her friend that she was not lying to her about being okay.
Maisie pressed her dark brows together in a concerned rather confused frown seeming not truly convinced.
"Them Dixon boys mostly keep to themselves; so I have ta say I'm mighty surprised they took ya in and haven't kick ya out yet. They ain't ones ta pry in ta others business. They hide themselves up in them woods mostly." Maisie expressed seeming to choose her words carefully almost like she was trying to put things together in her mind. Maisie cast her eyes downward before glancing back up at Addy giving her a tight, but sweet smile.
"They must like you." She concluded giving her a shrug.
Addy nearly snorted at the statement – they tolerate her.
"But if ya change yer mind ya know where ta find me." Maisie added wanting to be sure Addy knew her offer still stood if she were to change her mind.
Addy nodded politely in understanding.
"Hey, so Travis and I are goin' ta a bonfire up by Wyatt and Billy Greene's place ta night. Ya want ta come with us?" Masie asked her blue eyes sparkling with hope.
"Oh, um…I-I don't know…" Addy expressed a little taken back her friend's invitation. It had been a long time since she had gone out anywhere to simply hang out with friends. Merle and Daryl often had a fire each night up in the woods where they would sit outside and enjoy the evening, but they of course never really invited anyone. In fact, she hadn't even seen anyone else come up onto their property the whole mouth she had been with them. Addy guessed it was like Maisie expressed, they mind their own business and kept to themselves.
"Come on now, it'll be a good time, Travis's got some good shit ta smoke and a few drinks might help ya git yer mind off things. Besides, I miss ya." Maisie said flashing her a sweet smile that was hard to say no to. The woman was worse than a puppy and often got her own way due to her kind and innocent disposition which Addy was sure Maisie was well aware of.
Addy bit her bottom lip feeling a nervousness arise within her. The young woman had only just turned twenty a couple months ago and was not of legal drinking age yet nor had she taken it upon herself to smoke pot…ever. Although, the young woman had drunk her fair share of alcohol in college, her small body was not able to keep up, let alone out drink these people from the Georgia backwoods, including Maisie. They could drink her under the table while one glass of wine had Addy's face flush red feeling embarrassingly tipsy and woozy from a single drink. She was hesitant, not only due to her fear of being inexperienced, but Travis and Maisie would probably be the only one's she knew there.
When Addy stayed silent for too long Maisie decided to make the decision for her.
"The boys git off work 'bout seven ta night. Travis and I can pick ya up 'bout nine?" Maisie asked a mischievous hopefulness glistening in her blue eyes as she cocked her head to the side waiting for a reply.
Addy licked her lips, her face written with uncertainty.
"Come Addy, just hang with us, baby. I want ya ta come." Maisie expressed impatiently as she always seemed unable to simply wait.
Addy sighed, maybe she could get Daryl or Merle to come with her, but she doubted it.
"Alight." She said making her friend happy. Besides, it would be good to get out and hang with some new people and perhaps Maisie was right, a few drinks and a little smoking might help numb some pain, even if it was for only a little bit, it was an appealing thought.
"Good. Travis and me will pick ya up 'round nine. Now I know Travis ain't gonna drive onto Dixon property so we'll meet ya at the entrance. Have Daryl drive ya down or somethin' and we'll just take ya." Maisie declared seeming pleased that Addy agreed to come and hang out with her.
After exchanging goodbyes Addy walked out of the store spotting Daryl who was leaning up against the tail gate of the old chevy. The teenager's slouched posture leaned casually against the rusty frame as he brought the cigarette to his lips taking a long drag. He blew out the smoke through his nose and mouth keeping his eyes fixed out on the paved road. Hearing the gravel shuffle behind him, Daryl casted his head to the side spotting Addy's petite frame. He took one last drag of his used cigarette before throwing it down on the ground and running his mudded boot over it.
Without saying a word, Daryl got in the truck and Addy followed suit placing the two plastic bags at her feet. Once they drove off down the long stretch of winding tree lined backroads, Addy found herself lost in thought as she stared out the window.
"I saw Maisie Carson in the store." Addy found herself commenting.
Daryl said nothing as he continued to stare fixedly on the country road ahead as if he did not hear her. Daryl's silence did not surprise Addy as Daryl was not the most talkative person and often enjoy silence to conversation, but Addy noticed that the teenager was a very good listener, despite his lack of communication. He was incredibly observant and although there were times, he tried to actively ignore Addy when he found her chatter annoying, luckily, Addy, she was observant herself, and knew Daryl listened to every word.
"She and Travis are going to a bonfire tonight at the Greene's place. Everyone's just going to hang out, do you want to come with me?" Addy asked cocking her head upwards to look at him.
Daryl turned his head to look at her, his sharp blue eyes peering at her under his straggly bangs. Daryl's eyes narrowed slightly before turning his attention back to the road. There was a long beat of silence before Daryl spoke.
"Merle ain't gonna let ya." Daryl drawled out, his raspy vocals deep and even.
"What do you mean he 'ain't gonna let me'?" Addy demanded in shock shifting her body sharply towards Daryl. "I can go if I want to." The young woman declared defensively. It never occurred to Addy that Merle would object to her going to a bonfire with friends. He shouldn't care and even if he did, it shouldn't matter because it wasn't his decision to make.
Daryl did not indulge her with a reply which frustrated Addy who had a mind to antagonize the teenager to answer her, but opted to keep silent as she directed her attention back to the window, her lips pressed into a frustrated pout.
I can go if I want to.
0000
After super Addy decided that would be the best time to break the news to the man, after he had a smoke and at least two beers in him where Addy found him to be the most relaxed and agreeable which, if she was counting as a whole, wasn't much for the tense man.
After Addy finished with the dishes, she glanced over at the clock on the stove that read 8:07PM. Addy sighed heavily as it was time to stop stalling and inform Merle about the bonfire get together. The young woman dried her hands with the raggedy dish cloth and turned to face Merle directly behind her who sat leaning back in his recliner smoking his cigarette. Despite, the man's slouched position, his muscular body was ridged and tense, like always. Addy noticed that the rough man never seemed to be truly relaxed. It was almost like he was unable to rest his body fully no matter his attempts to appear lazy and comfortable. The man was on edge constantly and Addy couldn't help but wonder what made him so anxious all the time.
"Um Merle…" Addy began in a meek tone, hating the sound as she cleared her throat in an attempt to steady her nerves.
Merle's hard blue eyes narrowed ever so slightly as he studied the woman's nervous demeanor which was a good indication that Addy was about to say something he would not like. Merle lifted his chin up a ghost of a sneer playing on his stiff features as he took another drag of his cigarette patiently waiting for the woman to reveal what she desired.
Addy swallowed licking her lips casting her eyes away from his hard eyes and ridged features for a brief moment. She looked back up at him attempting to keep her posture and voice confident as she spoke which she found annoyingly difficult as Merle was just simply an intimidating man.
"Maisie invited me to a bonfire at the Greene's place tonight. She's picking me up at nine." Addy said attempting to keep her tone even and casual. In Addy's thinking, if she acted confident and nonchalant about the situation perhaps Merle would see it as not a big deal which, in hindsight, wasn't. She hoped it would increase her chances of getting the tense man to simply relax.
Merle let out a hallowed sigh letting the smoke to release slowly through his nose allowing a beat of awkward silence play between them effectively increasing the woman's anxiety.
"Is that right?" Merle challenged evenly; his raspy low voice edged with warning as he twirled his cigarette between his calloused fingers regarding her calmly, but notably critically.
"Yes." Addy declared adamantly trying her best to remain cool and confident.
"Sir." She added in hopes that would aid her in some way.
Merle snorted humorlessly at her fake attempt to be respectful towards him. The rough man leveled a serious gaze at her.
"Think that 'sir' is gonna git ya what ya want, girl?" Merle asked raising a mocking eye brow at her.
"I want to go." Addy stated sharply, but there was a hint of a whine creeping into her voice as she was starting to get frustrated.
"Well, you just want in one hand and spit in the other and see what fills up faster, cause you ain't goin'." Merle expressed evenly remaining stiff and unmoved from his slouched position keeping a steady firm glaze on the woman, his cigarette hanging lazily between his rough fingers.
"What? Why?" Addy demanded shocked at his bluntness and truly wanting to know why the hell she, an adult, could not go to this get together.
Merle knew the Greene brothers and although Wyatt and Billy were rough boys, they were mostly harmless. However, there were a few boys that hung out with them that Merle did not trust to be around innocent little Addy. Merle honestly didn't understand why he cared so much for the little woman, but the fact remains that he did and it was a stronger feeling than Merle anticipated. He found that Addy had become his responsibility in a way, and therefore, in his mind, he had every right to tell her what to do under his roof. Not only because he took her in, but because he was older and more experienced than the woman by almost seven years. He knew this small little town and the rough characters that resided there. Besides, he was the man and his rough upbringing taught him that women should obey and submit because he was both the protector and provider. He did not owe her an explanation nor was he obliged to give it. However, there was a large part of him that did not want to reveal his strong protective and caring feelings towards her.
"I'm-I'm not asking for your permission, Merle. I don't need it. I'm a grown woman and I can go if I want to. I'm-I'm not some little girl you can boss around all time. You got no right to tell me what I can and can't do with my time. I'm going to the bonfire tonight and that is something you'll just have to get over it." Addy's heart was pounding out of her chest feeling a flood of anxiety swarm throughout her body. Did she really just say that to him?
Merle's eyebrows raised slowly on his forehead as he cocked his head to the side a bit taken back by the woman's boldness. Merle shook his head clicking his tongue at her condescendingly. Amusement masked a rising irritation that grew bubbling in the man's gut. Her disrespect towards him along with his fear of her disobeying him fueled the man into a fury of annoyance.
Without a word Merle placed his cigarette loosely between his lips and stood up slowly and purposefully. Never taking his hard blue eyes off the woman, Merle's hands slowly moved up to his waist pushing up his cut off button up revealing his black belt underneath. His calloused thumbs tucked behind his belt displaying the thick leather prominently for Addy's viewing. Addy's wide eyes immediately locked onto the imposing thick leather that wrapped securely around the man's waist. The young woman took an instinctual step back. Merle rocked back on his heels slightly taking in a deep hallowed breath through his nose. The gruff man rolled his stiff shoulders back haughtily and straightening his posture lifting his chin up towering over the young woman making her feel immensely small under his six-foot build.
"Looks like someone needs remindin' who wears the britches 'round here. Ya got a sudden hankerin' ta go over my knee ta night, little girl?" Merle asked in tone that got dangerously deeper with every word the man spoke.
Addy gritted her teeth at the emphasis on 'little girl' feeling her cheeks flush bright red with raw embarrassment. Addy focused her eyes on the dingy carpet below her feet. "No." Addy bit out tightly with contempt before glaring back up at him with a scornful look, her green eyes piercing into him.
Merle pointed a stern finger at her, his hard features lined in an irritated expression.
"Yer gettin' a bit too big for your britches, little Addy. You ain't goin' out drinkin', smokin' and fuckin' ta night. So, you just forget it. Long as ya stayin' under my roof and eatin' my food you'll mind what I say. Now, quit yer bitchin' about it before I tan yer hide and send yer little grippin' ass ta bed."
Addy pressed her lips into a tight line as she locked her tongue behind her teeth feeling her jaw ache as she gritted her teeth together. The young woman balled her fists at her sides feeling her body vibrate with intense frustration as her green eyes pierced the man in front of her with a scalding look. However, Addy's eyes glanced down at the thick imposing leather that wrapped around the man's slender hips feeling rush of anxiety crack in her chest that effectively kept the young woman's mouth firmly clamped shut. It took all of Addy's self-control not to shout at the man and tell him all the reasons why he was wrong and a complete asshole of a man.
Without a word Addy, turned her heels and marched her stiff body towards the back bedroom for some much-needed space. Addy was sure if she stayed in that man's presence any longer, she would crack and express exactly what she was thinking which she was sure would get her ass over the man's knee which was something she did not want in the slightest. Fear ultimately won over her pride, but just barely.
Merle watched the woman march off to the bedroom to pout which was fine by him as he recognized he was getting far too irritated to be trusted. He was not going to allow her to go to a bonfire with where she would drown herself in alcohol and smoke to forget her troubles. He's seen way too many people get lost down that path which included himself. And Merle knew these people weren't going take care of her and watch out for her. She might be pissy now, but she'd get over it. Merle sat himself back down in his recliner leaning his head back taking one last drag of his cigarette before closing his eyes allowing the nicotine to calm his heated nerves.
Once Addy made it to the bedroom, she firmly shut the door behind her. She had a mind to slam it, but willed herself to restrain from the intense desire. Instead, she opted to kick the side of the bedframe getting out her built up frustration. She felt immensely unsatisfied that she did not give that man a piece of her mind, but she gathered he was not worth the trouble to waste her breath on as the man was an unreasonable narrow-minded chauvinist who lacked the skills to be anything but disagreeable.
Addy paced the room huffing and snarling and muttering incoherent grumbles of frustration. In Addy's mind, he had no right to tell her 'no' on anything she decided. He wasn't her father, brother or boyfriend for that matter which was a revolting thought at the moment. He was a man she had only met a month ago and he was acting as if she was an immature child with the inability to practice restraint with some friends. It was humiliating and downright degrading. It was clear Merle held no respect for her as an adult going as far as threatening to spank her again for not minding him. She was a grown woman and could do as she pleased. It was her right as a human being.
However, what was worse was the fact that Merle threatened to spank her for simply arguing her point. He ultimately shut down her ability to express her reasoning. He didn't even explain his reasoning for not wanting her to go. Therefore, Addy concluded that it was simply because he was a controlling asshole with stick so far up his ass he couldn't even walk in a straight line. He ultimately had no reason and that made Addy unshakably angry. He was saying 'no' for the simple fact that he could, using her fear of his belt to control her actions.
Addy suddenly stopped pacing and snarled at the closed door gritting her teeth. That's when Addy made up her mind that she was not going to allow this man to dictate what she did and control her with fear. What Merle did not know was Addy was far braver and bolder than he anticipated. She was not a timid cowering little girl who was going to hide in the bedroom and submit to his authoritative bullshit. She was Addy May Walker, an independent woman with a mind of her own. She was going to the bonfire tonight and as far as she was concerned Merle could just suck it.
TBC
Uh oh!
Please review and let me know your thoughts on this chapter. Like I said before I'm not sure if I want to continue with this story or not, so your feedback would be very helpful.
Thank you for reading. Next chapter, The Bonfire! Stay tuned.