It's been two days since the Thanksgiving fiasco and it's back to work today. I haven't spoken to Daryl. I don't even know if he's attempted to come to my window, I've kept it locked and the curtains closed. I rush into the kitchen as the phone rings and pick it up.

"Hello?"

"You quit?" Katelyn sounds panicked. She's been on vacation with her family and just returned home late last night, so I haven't spoken with her yet.

"What?" I ask.

"Roger says that you quit!" she yells.

"When?"

"Thanksgiving, he said that you never showed up so that was strike three and he assumed..."

"Wait, you mean they didn't cut hours on thanksgiving?" I ask.

"What? No! They were swamped!"

I can't believe... well no scratch that I can believe it, but for my mother to go and do something like that is bullshit. I know she did it so that I'd be the one to cook her a nice meal while she drank all day without as much as a thanks.

"Tell Roger I'll be there soon, and that I did not quit. My mother told me that they called and cut hours. Why the hell didn't he call me? He's a dick for not following up with my absence," I say.

"Totally. You better hurry up though he's got some interviews lined up today," she informs me.

I scream loudly, "I'll be there soon!" I tell her.

Liam was picked up about an hour ago, so I don't have to worry about him. It's a bit early for work, but as soon as I chew my mother out I'm going. I literally barge into the room and when I walk in Travis is ... oh god. Fuck! I slam the door shut and hear them scurrying around.

"Why did you tell me they cut hours?" I yell through the door.

"I don't know what you're talking about!" she yells back.

Travis opens the door and gives me a dirty look before retreating to the living room. I walk in and mom is still half naked.

"The fuck? You gunna put some clothes on?"

"It's my house!"

"Whatever! Why the hell did you tell me that?"

"You needed to be here," she shrugs.

"No I didn't. Are you trying to get me fired?" I yell.

"You want to take my son away from me!"

"Why do you even care? All you do all day is drink, sleep, smoke whatever it is you smoke, shoot up I don't know. You were such an amazing mom before all of this, what the hell happened to you? Liam shouldn't be in this environment it's toxic! Do you know what would happen if someone called the cops and CPS came? They'd take him from you anyway! The school is already questioning his home environment as it is..."

"They already came," she says plainly.

"They what?" I yell.

"They came a few weeks ago to investigate or whatever. He's still here!"

Oh my god, is she stupid. They are probably getting everything they need to take him away from here. Why does she not get this, especially if she answered the door, this is not good. I run my hands through my hair I'm so frustrated I can barely breathe.

"You don't get it, you just don't fucking get it!"

"Can you do some laundry today?" she asks lighting up a cigarette.

I want to say more, but if I do I might cry out of anger. I don't know what happened to my mother, but I know she's too far gone to come back and I have to step up my efforts to get out of here.

I slam the door leaning against it for a second. Travis clears his throat and I shake my head at him. I need to check my bank account and see about getting a lawyer, there's no way I can do it without one. This family is too messed up for that, I need to know that they will give me some kind of chance.

I push by Travis and head for my room. I finish getting ready, I need to get my job back or find a new one. I wasn't getting enough hours there anyway, so I don't even know if it's worth it.

I fly out as the screen door slams shut. Daryl's on the ground by his bike fixing something as I pass by. I open the door and slam it so hard the car shakes. My hands are shaking as I try to get the keys in the ignition. They fall to the floor and I curse under my breath. As I go to pick them up I hit my head on the steering wheel. I grab the keys and try again this time the car starts. I grip the steering wheel tight and scream. Daryl's face comes into view, he's watching me.

I start to back down the driveway and he steps forward. I step on the gas as I pull out and fly down the street. I get to the restaurant so fast I'm shocked. It's black Friday weekend and our town is usually filled with tourists and shoppers supporting our local business. The restaurant is crowded, but I find a spot in the back by the exit. I stalk into the restaurant. Katelyn is the greeter today and she grabs my arm as I pass.

"Chloe you should calm down before you go in there."

"Don't tell me what to do Katelyn! Everything is so messed up right now I'm not sure I even care if he tells me to leave."

"You need this, you need to tell him everything without blowing up..."

"Just stop it okay?" I ask my voice breaking at the end.

She looks at me, and I know that look it's pity. I pull away from her and walk into the backroom where Roger is sitting at his desk on his phone laughing about something. He sees me and tells the person on the other line he'll call back. I stand with my arms crossed waiting for him to finish.

"You couldn't have even called to find out why I didn't show? You just automatically fire me? The fuck Roger?"

"What was I supposed to think, you've been really short lately," he says.

"Do you even know what I deal with at home? I'm trying to save money to save my brother. He shouldn't be in that house with those people. I need all the fucking money I can get. You can't just assume someone quit! That's bullshit!" I yell.

"Lower your voice Chloe, you yelling at me isn't helping your case," he says.

"My mother told me that you called, said that you cut hours that's why I wasn't here. She wanted me to make the "family" a nice thanksgiving dinner. She was too lazy to do it herself so she lied to me to get me to stay home. I should have called because I had a feeling she was lying, but I didn't and for that I'm sorry." I soften my tone. "I'm really sorry Roger, I need this job. I really do," I say on the verge of tears.

He doesn't look phased, he looks like he could care less. I cross my arms.

"I need to work today," I whisper.

"I'm sorry Chloe, but you can't work when you're like this."

"God damn it did you not hear me? I need the money!" I yell.

"I know," he says calmly.

"Then let me work!"

"Tomorrow."

"What?" I ask.

He stands up and walks around the desk. I swallow hard trying to keep the lump at bay.

"Come back tomorrow when you are more relaxed. If it's money you need you can work a twelve hour shift. Go home and get some rest, okay?" he asks.

I nod, because if I speak I know I'll cry. I turn on my heels, "Chloe," Roger says.

"If you are having issues at home..."

I hold up my hand for him to just stop talking. A tear rolls down my cheek and I wipe it away quickly, but they just keep coming. I walk out staring at the floor as I head for the door. Katelyn says my name, but I don't listen. I'm about to walk out when I realize I recognized the boots standing next to her. I wipe at my eyes and look up to see Daryl standing there with Katelyn. They both have that look on their face and I'm not in the mood. I head for the door and hear Daryl thank Katelyn. I push through the front doors and start for my car. Daryl grabs my wrist gently and pulls me back.

"Stop trying to save me!" I grit my teeth.

"I'm not trying to save you!"

I turn to him, "So you can come after me when I'm upset, but I'm not allowed to check on you? Why?"

"Because I can handle my emotions," he says and I laugh.

"No you can't," I say.

He pulls his hand away and crosses his arms at his chest.

"You shouldn't drive like this," he says.

"So now you can tell me what I can and can't do?" I ask.

"Come with me," he says.

"Why should I? I thought we don't talk about things, it's all about sexual favors!" I remind him.

"Just come with me please," he says.

"You didn't answer why," I yell back.

"Because I want you to, OKAY?"

I stop talking, and wipe the tears that continue to fall.

"Just come, okay?" he says softly.

I bit my lip hard and nod, as he leads me to his motorcycle. I'm not really sure what I'm doing, but I do it anyway. Why does he have the effect on me?