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As entertaining as everything was, I was excited for Daryl's birthday. To see him relax and get hammered, he's twenty and he should be safe in doing just that. But me having to leave and still allowing him to do whatever thing he wanted to do, shrooms or ecstasy. Whatever. 

I just wish I was there with him, not driving to the stupid army base to sleep in a bunk bed waiting for the morning. Nothing but worry coursed through my brains, even when I entered the base. The men just standing there asked if I was alright, and claiming it to be the 'long drive' seemed to pass them without any further questions. And as I ditched my normal clothes for issued sweatpants, a sports bra that was more than comfortable, a tank top and dog-tags. Did I actually feel what my life would be like.

Missing these parties, not being there with Daryl because life is getting in the way. So that is what I was up all night partaking in, tossing and turning with not even a wink of sleep. And before I knew it, the alarm clock rang, the lights flashed on. And I was up and at it with the other dozens of subjects in the training course, although it was the girl's bunker, and all of them were either in the tank top issued or the bra. It was easy what the plan was, going to the little nightstand beside the two given areas. Was there issued pants and shirt that we are required to wear, along with this sort of neon belt. Not going to lie, the fabric for the 'army' print t-shirt felt nice against my skin. And as I tied my hair into a ponytail and fixed my double dog-tags. 
I no longer felt the worry, instead, I felt empowered as I followed the long line of women out the door into the large field.

Where obstacles were stationed, in all fairness it felt like camp. Very serious and very determined camp.

Not even an hour into it, am I already sweating bullets. My group leader, who Jeremy took in favor of myself and my brother. Seemed to be enjoying this from me, especially since I have no idea how the army functions, or anything of the sort. Neither does the group of teenagers I am with know the difference. 

Since he grew up army with my brother, I assume they are on the same level of binding. Don't know if Jarod is working his way into the army like Michael, but this has to look good on some level right? To good old stepdad?

With push-ups and curl-ups out of the way, and the second mile run of the day. We're we given the break, the large cafeteria where it was just cleared out with the normal army green uniforms. I haven't eaten in a cafeteria since grade school, so here I am. Just sitting with my group leader and brother, trying to relax as my body was relieving itself from the workout.

Felt like my head was throbbing so much that I'd—Snapping out of it was I called by name, smiling up towards Jermey's father as he welcomed me back to the base. "My boy tells me ya kicked ass today Blake, ever think about joinnin'?"
"No sir, can't say I have." He nodded, trying to convince me of this entire thing. But something called him away once more, as well as Jermey to leave the table. "You following in Michael's footsteps?" I asked, seeing Jarod so hidden from the conversation. But that caused him to shrug. "Dad went to these high ranking schools before joining in. I'm not even in ROTC at school."
"So? I was thinking for the four years they pay for my school, get refunded by serving for however long it takes." He was completely dumbfounded as he saw the way I spoke, but just giving myself the added savory taste of the pasta before me. I almost choked on his given look. "What?"
"How the hell do you have a plan already?" Finishing the mouth full of food as I level the cup of juice to my lips, did I find myself speaking before taking a sip. "That's all I had going for me, the plan after becoming 18..." My voice trailed off as I saw Jeremy return back, his face in fear as he sat back down to the table. Offering me something, and as I took it into my hand. Was I all the bit more confused. 
"I thought we weren't allowed phones during-"
"General Holden had both of yours, but it kept buzzing. Thought it's important." I nodded, but the buzzing had since stopped as I picked myself and walked out to the long line of picnic benches just stationed out here.

Finding myself mazing through the long list of people in the event today, all while going through the entire line of missed calls. All since 2 am. And all the same number I don't know.

What in the hell happened?

As I put my phone up to my ear, all I heard was the insanity of yelling and screaming. Saying the given greeting over and over again was I getting fed up. Even with all the trainees looking to me like I'm crazy. So just as I took the phone off my ear to press end, did I hear my name faintly in the phone. "Hello? Who is this?" I questioned, continuing to walk down the few buildings and stopping the moment I could find myself in a safe stop. 

But the noises continued in the background, yelling, echoing speeches of cursing. "It's...It's  Rachel...Listen we need you, we've been calling since this morning and-"
"What? What happened?" My first reaction was to panic, especially with the voices of a few dozen people just crowding around. "We got busted..." As I was about to say my peace, or formulate a plan. Did I hear the all too familiar sound of my boyfriend come towards the phone, fighting with Rachel as she tried to stay on the line.
"Hey babe...Uh...Any chance ya think ya can make a quick detour with that army thing ya got goin' on...And bail us out?" The way he issued the response, I knew he was hung over by something. So instead of arguing, did I just not respond to the question and asked for Rachel back.

I didn't want to talk to Daryl when he was like this, not over the phone at least. Right now I need to figure out what I'm going to do. "Alright Rachel, I need you to tell me which police station you guys are at...Alright?" In the instant, I knew where it was, but I didn't know how long I'd be. With no car or anything, I might have to stop home...

Hanging up the phone did I hear the sudden call of my name being yelled by Daryl, but I had to go and get them out. All while disappointing the fellow people of the god damn fucking army of the united states. 

And this was going to be a problem.

Rushing back into the cafeteria, do I find both Jeremy and Jarod still talking. Laughing even, and although there is still another half a day scheduled, I needed to help them. No matter how much my blood boiled at the very thought of leaving.

This was going to look bad on my stepdad's part. But perhaps if I can just go straight to him and tell him? Then I can— "Blake? You okay?" Jarod rose from his seat to address his burning question, and as Jeremy looked at me. He too shared the nervous look.
"My...My friends got into an accident. Everyone's fine...I just need to pick them up...Is it okay if—" My brother's eyes turned to a sympathetic phase, I guess he's worried about his drug dealers after all. "Yeah of course...Go. Go!" Jeremy pushed me to just go, but as I told him that I wished to tell my stepdad. Before any bad news failed through. Mr.Sherwood soon came to the picture. "Everything alright Ma'am?"
"My friends got into a car accident. I need to pick them up, can you pass the message to—" He urged me to follow, and in that instant did I follow through into the hummer. I didn't know where I was headed, but I too was brought to a very nice and very large building. 
At first, I was confused, like we were in the wrong spot. But as he stepped out of the vehicle and I too followed, he led me up the given steps into a far nicer office building than I care to imagine my stepdad would have had.

"Never been here yet huh? Private...Sorry, ma'am, his office is just down that way. I have to—" He was distracted by a follow member, so I just went into the direction he pointed to and hoped for the best. And in doing so was a hand placed onto my shoulder, startling me to death.
"Miss, you're not allowed in here at this time."
"I was just—"
"The general is very busy and-" The women before me couldn't even finish her sentence before Michael stepped in, coming to this little forming circle as he held a number of vanilla folders in his hands. "Stand down Nicole, this is my daughter, Blake." Although both their eyes were on one another, I wasn't ready for him to just say 'daughter,' no step in there at all. So as the two conversed for a moment, and she complimented my effort in participating in today's trial runs. Did he lead me into his office where he was quick to sit behind a heavily looking desk.

"Everything alright? Your phone was driving my assistant crazy." He laughed, shuffling through the papers before him. Already reading through, so taking a deep breathing and praying that he believes me do I spew out the same lie I've told already.

And he fucking believed me. He threw me the Jeep's keys and allowed me to leave, along with having another person drive me to the post house for me to be able to get to the car. And as I waited for the person, I looked around his office before being dismissed. "I like your office." I laughed, him too following in that pursuit as he saluted off to the guy beside me. 

As I sat in the front of the Hummer this time around, was the guy a little on edge as he shifted in his seat every other second. So reading his name tag, was the name LeBlanc. "You alright?" I asked, turning to him as he again. Just pushed himself up farther into the seat, back up against as he strained it to look like he was presenting him. "Yes ma'am."
"Then please calm down." He let out a sigh, making me just laugh at his reaction. Wasn't an uptight bitch who's parent's a high ranking general. Well, I can be a bitch. And I will be once the friends in the holding cell tell me what exactly fucking happened.

The drive wasn't too long, it just took the given time to tell him the house without knowing the actual street name. And before I knew it, I ran on to the house to find the clothes I packed beforehand. Changing into jeans and trying my best to drain the sweat from my face. Along with grabbing another water bottle. 
Finishing half the bottle as I sat in the front seat of the car, starting her up and heading straight on out.
 Lucky for myself, my leather jacket held my wallet as well. Won't have enough money for everyone, but I'll make the calls needed to get the given people out.

The ride wasn't as long as I wished for, but as I parked in the given spot away from the front. And arriving in the lobby, did I go straight to the guy behind the glass sliding door. "What can I do for you miss?"
"Friends called me, saying they're here." The man soon laughed his ass off, even though he was struggling for air did he ask to see my license through the mist of laughter.
"Those kids we're tryin' all night to reach ya. Got somethin' goin' on?" Thinking this would be the good news on my line, did I reveal my shirt. The sweat stains are hidden. But the key words being 'army' shined through. Making him nod in agreement. "Sure we're talkin' bout the same kids?"
 "Yes sir...Mind if I asked what happened?"
"Bunch of them drivin' on the road, passed crewfew for half of em...Here we are." He began leading me through the gated doors before seeing all five of them behind the locked bars, letting my free hand that wasn't crossed against my chest just rub my head. 
And just as the police officer was about to leave, did I ask how much it would cost. "Rackin' all em up? Sweetie that ain't a good idea...200. Doin' yourself a favor going a different route than these fellows." I smiled saying my appreciations as he handed me the keys, I didn't know who was in the cell. Could be the given few, could be just Daryl and Rachel that I know. And they all decided that I was the best choice.

Walking down the given few empty cells, as the key he handed me was labeled number 27. Did I hear the arguing commence. "How long are we gonna sit here and wait for ya fuckin' girlfriend to show up man?! She's probably the one who called the damn cops!"
"Ya don't know what the hell ya talkin' bout' she's comin'!" The sound of grabbing and pushing sprang in my ears, but they couldn't see me. Not yet anyway.

"Whatcha girlfriend gonna think when ya smoked all that crack?"

"Well, none of y'all are gonna tell her...She's the one bustin' us out of this joint, if ya can just wait for another—"
"Waitin' the entire day man, she ain't comin'...Leaving your sorry ass!" Again did the fighting commence, but I couldn't even bother to help myself as my heart imploded.

He fucking didn't.

He couldn't have.

He...

Gritting my teeth do I stumble backwards, lightly pressing my fist to the tall cold cell bars above me as I looked forward. See Rachel's hands just hugging through the cage. Do it for her. Go now. She doesn't deserve to be locked up with Daryl and whoever else it was yelling at me like I'm some sort of goodie tooshoes.

Taking the careful steps forward, was I going to act like everything is perfectly fucking okay. Like he didn't smoke any crack and drove around, like they weren't all that bad. And all the shit they said never took place.

So as I revealed myself, did I see Rachel's face instantly light up and squeal with joy as everyone else in the enclosed room made their way to a given spot at the bars. "Blake...Thank you so much." She whined, the poor girl out of the six boys? Christ. I don't think I can take them all.

Taking the key from my hand, did I unlock the door. Placing myself as I kept it open, and as everyone single file said their thanks and walked to the exit. Shawn on the other hand just continued walking off, he wasn't the one yelling. It was another one. 

Daryl on the other hand, was on the verge of leaning in, letting his hands cup my cheeks as he was about to.

But the fatal smell had me jump back and push him away. "We'll talk about this later..." I growled, having him bit his lip and nod. Following the rest of the assholes who crowded up the lobby. "Blake did you—"
"I heard the last few minutes...But I want to know happened to have all you get fucking arrested." She tackled me with a hug, before we continued to walk arms linked with one another. As closer we got, the lower her voice sang. Like she was scared to tell me the truth. "I don't know where any of them were going, but they all piled up into Shawn's jeep...I'm sorry, you told me to watch him so I followed them and I couldn't get out of it." I hugged her once again, telling her that I was just glad that she's safe.

She couldn't have called her parents, they would have killed her. Rachel's words, not mine, so this was the big debt they all owed me. Happy birthday Daryl. Hope it was fucking worth it.

With her in my arms, did I go back to the guy behind the glass window. Even though my friend kept her back pressed against it, being my eyes and watching them all take sips from the water fountain. 
They're all still high, and if I don't keep the windows in my car open I'm screwed.


Paying the fee which was nicely reduced, each person would have been a good 150 bucks. But if he takes the army logo printed on my shirt as a good samaritan, then props to me for yanking it out. Nodding to Rachel, did I tell her that I'd give a ride to the people who need it. And most opted to get a ride to the place where Shawn's car is. Making the entire trip easier on me, but the fact that four guys in the back seat of this truck. Two sitting in the trunk, and Rachel sitting in the front seat with me.

Either Daryl got the hint, or he didn't want to push his luck with Rachel seeing as how she knows. 
But I know, and it burned my fucking mind that he did that. I told him to loosen up, to restrict himself to the given few things. Heroin and crack. I don't care if they smoked or snorted it, it's in his system and he almost put his lips on mine when he knew...It was in his bloodstream.

Rachel was my guide, and the only one who spoke into the car as everyone got on out to the pickup. The only people leftover, was Rachel and Daryl. Given the fact that the boys I just dropped off all claimed they'll 'owe' me back the money later. When none of them know the actual given price.

As I slowed on down to Rachel's house, I truly wished I could have her stay in the car rather than have Daryl get on home. But instead, I found myself hugging her one last time before she too left. 

And in all my given surprise, did Daryl move up the front seat the moment it was free. If I didn't know any better, I could hear Rachel cursing him out from her door to here. He was dumb, reckless, foolish. And in big fucking trouble.

But I still managed to not say a single fucking word since I pushed him away for the kiss. With the sky grew dark, and my eyes drooping low. I just wanted to fall asleep, and the moment I get Daryl out of my car. Was I just going to head on home to the house and pass out, not before calling Michael and telling him what happened.

Giving myself time to prep only allowed him time to make excuses, and I wasn't having any. Not only did I make a lie to the general, but my brother and Jeremy. And Jeremy's father?! Fuck I am screwed if they ever find out, especially when I have to drive home with all the damn windows down.

Pulling into his driveway was I bit nervous, never have I been the one to drive in with a car. Let alone him being silent as ever. So as I looked at him, my head resting on my hand against the window the entire ride over. Did I look to him.

He too held the same position, not the entire time. He just enabled himself to do it in the very moment to mimic me. "Do ya wanna beer?" Taking a deep breath and letting my lips come together, looking like they would create a whistle sound. Making me just shake my head.
"Do I want a beer?...You're funny." Letting myself pause for a minute did I look to the pick up before me. Guess Merle didn't get caught.

For once he's the smarter one?!


Whether it was because I was tired or worn out from the entire stress level of guilt that pertained me the entire day and last night. Did I sigh into my heads, not wanting him to see the tears beginning to form in my glossy eyes. 

He did the one thing he swear he'd never do.

"I'm sorry...For callin' ya out of camp. It—"
"It wasn't fucking camp Dixon. I lied to colonel, a general...My stepdad to get here." I yelled, my voice rose and it startled him beyond recognition. He was still affected and will be long after I'm gone. 

Sighing back down, did I just look at him again. Letting my hands get back onto the steering wheel. "You gonna get out of the car? Or do you want me to escort you to the damn fucking door?" He chuckled, I knew what made him do it too. My words are getting changed by the Georgia accent and phrases left and right. Can't get any worse than this. 

"Babe you're overreactin'...We're all fine." It was my turn to laugh again, since we're going back and forth. So on that note, did I smile and begin to subject him to his own faults in this.
"So how was your birthday Daryl, because I heard the crack was real good." At first, his general face seemed compelled, until he knew I was being sarcastic. And used the same term his friend said back in the cell they were all in.

Done. 

Over it.

With my eyes ready for a response, does he just mutter the word 'fuck' over and over again as he see his own demise in the equation. "Who told ya?"
"Get out of the car." He shifted himself to look at me, and in that moment did I do the damn same. Making sure the car was in the park to see his full-blown argument to get out of proportion. "Nuh uh, not until ya tell me who told ya...It was Shawn, wasn't it?!" Rolling my eyes as he blames him for the first thing he can, but it wasn't. It was Jake I think, he's the one who was yelling at the top of his lungs before I came.

"Yeah, Shawn's the route to it all? Isn't he? He the one who gave it to you too? You going to blame him for each and every fucking thing you do?!" I yelled back, and I could see he was getting heated. His chest was puffing profusely with each intake of air, and the moment he opened his mouth, his nostrils flared up. "Ya were the one who said for to have fun?! Why ya takin' ya word back?"
"I said limit, not...Not do the one thing I asked you not to." I cried, sighing into my hand as I didn't want him to see my tears. So instead, did I just lean in and open his car door for him. 

Allowing the cool night's air drift on in as I rested back into my seat. Just starting before me and not saying a single word. "I—"
"Don't...Please...Just go." He sighed, his door halfway out as he slouched back down. Looking to me, I knew it the moment his eyes began burning the hole into my cheek. But I didn't deviate my own pupils to look into his, he didn't deserve that. 
With my teeth gritting harder and harder with each passing second, was I in the clear of hearing the loud ring continue to slide through. Especially since he continued to huff and puff. "Aurora I..." He trailed off the moment he saw my neck snap towards him, I could feel my eyes turning dark as he spoke my name in a mumbling breath. Taking a deep inhale, exhale, inhale... "Are you trying to piss me off?"
"Rory please you can't—"
"No, too late. Can't contract it. Get the fuck out, now. Goodnight." 

Waving him off, did he continue to try to talk to me. But I didn't budge, I just let the ringing sound commence. Even the added tear rolling down my cheek added another calming relief that I was still awake, and hopefully will make it home before passing out.

"What in the hell is all this?" The even rusty voice made an appearance, making me smile as I rolled down my windows. Allowing Merle to rest his arms on it. "How ya doin' sweetheart?"
"Great. You're brother was just coming inside."
"Where the hell were ya bro? Missed ya own party." With him being so distracted by his own question, I made the quick movement to remove the tears from my cheeks. And he couldn't see it either, whatever he was smoking or drinking or taking. 

Fuck.

"Come on Dareline, we got things to be doin'."
"Give us a sec." The look I shot towards Daryl was one of the last I'd give him tonight, it was late, I was tired, and all I wanted to do was take a shower and curl up in bed. Forget that everything up until that point never fucking happened.

"Nah man, she looks like she's gonna rip ya head off. Better take my advice brother, lil lady's pretty lethal." He said a decent goodnight, and although his brother couldn't see the small grasp he gave my hand.

I would admit, Merle would have teased him all night about being soft if he saw that. But instead did he just leave, not slamming the door like I was prepared to hear. As he head on towards the house, did his brother lean on back down. "Everythin' going' aight?"
"No...I'm just gonna go." Getting the car out of park, did he halt me in the give action. Making me revert it on back, as I looked at him once more. "Thank's for gettin' the guys out, any one of us shows our face. Won't let us take 'em." I nodded, and as he tapped my resting arm. He allowed me to leave, not asking about why Daryl was in the car for so long, or why I was steaming like a train at the ears.

I was just happy that he had the power to get his brother out of the car before I kept yelling at him.

On Friday I felt protected, and now I just feel betrayed again. His hatred for Shawn is going, and I swear to god if he does anything to that guy. I will defend him. Letting out one long sigh, did I twist my back to turn back into the main road. No sort of cars ever come this way, but I was still mindful for the entire reason. 

That and because I knew from the outline of the screened porch, that the two brothers were still watching me. Even after I was far into the trees, did I still see them until I passed the intersection and made it back into town. Grabbing my phone from the cupholder, did I call Michael. And he was quick to answer the phone in that moment, sounding worried as ever did I just tell him that I'm heading home instead.

He didn't question anything of that sort, asked if my friends were alright. And all I had to say in that was 'a little banged up' but most of them were afraid of myself, and what Daryl would do to them if they told me about what he did.

The second I was off the phone with him, the second I started getting calls from Daryl. He wouldn't give up, the entire right home whether I declined the call or let it ring, it was just followed by another attempt.

With the jeep already stumbling into the farm's long road, did I quicken the pace before parking in its normal spot. With the breather of my phone not going off for the given moment, did it just begin to ring again. With the added bonus of all the damn chimes of it receiving voicemails.

Shutting off my phone is the only thing I know how to, but it wouldn't go. Instead, did I just take out the damn battery as I almost fell out of the car, slamming the door behind me as that could have been the additive to my already shitty day.

With my mom home, it was again, the same lie. But the moment she saw me, and asked the given dozen questions. She said the sweet blessings of the words 'goodnight' before sending me off. Of course, I took a shower, and was yelling up that she's working tomorrow.

But again, the long weekend was cruel. And I won't have to see Daryl until Tuesday, fucking Tuesday will be my own demise...

*

Morning came quicker than I would have liked, the groggy idea just made me toss and turn to even try to get another hour of sleep. Until finally I woke up well enough to see feel how bloodshot and swollen my eyes were.

I haven't cried this much in a long time, and instead of wallowing in my sorrows. Did I rise on up to head to the bathroom, nobody was home. Jarod was probably hanging out with Jermey at the base. Both mom and Michael were there as well by now. And here I am, lacking any emotional loath to find myself in a very cold shower to wake me up.

Distracting myself did I pay attention to each and every drop of water that covered my body, even when soap was added to the mixture. Trying to not remember the type of mess I'm always in, so instead did I conjure up the strength to turn it off. But completely forgetting the given amount of clothes and what not, did I tie the towel around my body and over my hair as I looked for the particular leggings in question. With my throwing heaps of clothes both into the hamper and off the floor, did I hear the sound of gravel being driven over. And my first reaction was to look out the window, and of course. To my soul surprise do I see the damn pick up truck. 

My phone was off and nobody is home. I can just act like I'm not here, with my bike not in the barn. He can't say anything against it, so as I continued to look around and around. Did I finally find them on my desk, throwing it over my shoulder with the given sweater I pared with it as well. Did I still see his truck there...What was he going to do? Wait until I return home? Rolling my eyes at the though did I return to the bathroom. Drying my hair by scratching the towel, before getting dressed. 

Before the mirror did I look clearer than I suppose I did when I woke up, and how coincidental that he appears right when I wake up. Like he knows, or was he here previously to check up. See if I didn't do something stupid.

Since the day I've met him has he known my dislike for that drug, and on purge night did I go into great detail of what happened in my life. With Ben and my sperm donor. How can I just get rid of this ache in my chest when the reason it's there in this moment is that he's in my barn.

Probably calling my phone over and over again, thanking the heavens that he isn't coming over to the door or anything. Did I see him drive away, off he went.

He got the picture, got the idea and now he's left. And I'm thankful for that because I needed the given dose of aloneness for the time being to do my homework. But even then, as I open up my notebook to the notes he provided for me from his teacher's payment to him. Am I in the utter complication of how screwed I really am, I like him. 

But how much am I going to screw myself over thinking that any of that could work, how could he and I work. 

He has no motivation to graduate, no motivate to do nothing in the sort. If anything, he goes to school because of me. Countless people have told me this, and even then does it ruin his image. The perfect Dixon image of following in his brother's footsteps.

Maybe even his dad's too...Oh my god. I can't believe I just thought that, my head fell down into my hands as I couldn't even admit out loud to what I conjured up in my mind. My hand covered my mouth as I left my bedroom entirely, completely disgusted with myself as to what my brain thought up.

Is this what I think about him? To turn out like his brother or dad? After everything he's done for me I should give him the benefit of the doubt that he made the mistake. But with his racking up the mistake with Julia and the time he took shrooms?
 Not to mention he could have gotten killed the other night, so as I carefully made my way down the stairs. Still in pure shock at how I managed to think such a brutal thing, was I masked with hunger. And instead, did I just begin to make myself the given sandwich, messing with the last bit of sanity I have left.

And if that means to build up the walls that tumbled down since I came here. Then I sure as hell need something to satisfy it, and right now a grilled cheese sandwich sounded right up my alley. Getting the cheese, bread, and butter from the fridge. Along with a tomato, was I already drowning at the sound of it.

But as I was preparing the butter onto the outsides of the sandwich, did I hear clattering coming from upstairs. Making me instantly freeze in that very moment, allowing myself to take a listen. Was the slow and quiet footsteps walking on the second floor, and as I heard it continued further down the wrong way. The phone wasn't on the mound, my cell phone was upstairs. And I couldn't think of any other thing except—The gun.

Dropping the bread onto the plate did I make a quick jolt down towards the closet, fumbling with the key Michael so cleverly hid on the shelf as well. Taking the pistol into my hand, checking it for bullets did I cock back the hammer down here. Allowing the sound to echo in the confinement of the closet before I continued forward, not going up the main stairs. But the side cirly stairs near the kitchen, careful with each initial step. 

Almost like Daryl, when he was hunting with his bow for the good minute of memory I can fix in my mind. Taking deep breaths in as I held my gun firmly into hands, careful not to rattle at how much they are bouncing up and down. And instead did I continue upwards, the lack of shoes and just the bare minimal of socks allowed me leeway as I continued up the stairs, eyes ficiated to what was in front of me. 

But as I made it to the top, my back pressed against the wall so I could listen in from where the steps were. And by the judgement, it seems to be coming from Michael's office. Shit. The safe is in there.

Hurrying up my steps as I readied myself for the one singed attacked, just like Daryl said. Up real quick, don't hesitate. Letting my hand swing the door open did I hold the gun out as an extension, but I'm so glad I didn't pull the trigger. For Daryl stood red handed right by the window of the room.
"Shit." He mumbled, letting his hands fall. Think that was the first time I saw him throw a white flag into the air, but was quick to stumble down.

And as the gun had left the position, and reverted back to my one hand pointing to the floor did I sigh. "Yeah, 'shit'. You breaking an entry now?!" As he began to come over, his hands already up with reasoning. But the entire day allowed him to think of excuses, lies that can be generated in the moments notice. Just like when I drove him and his friends home.

Letting the hammer release the hold as let my free hand just rise up for him to stop. "What in the hell do you think you are doing? What if someone was home? What if—"
"Ya bike ain't here, the cars ain't here...I was gonna...I was gonna leave a note." My yelling had made him jump, so in again. The white flag motion did he back on up, and put the piece of paper onto the desk. Sliding it over towards me as he stayed still in that position as I was about to take it.

"Daryl..." I whispered, beginning to shake my head. Sighing as I let out his name, I couldn't do this. The thought came crashing back down as I was scared of what he might become, who I might become. And together that can formulate well beyond what I want to give up my life being...
"Please, Rory, ya gotta take it. Read it, listen to my calls. I promise I won't bug ya no more, but ple—"
"I'm running out of chances to give," I said, biting my tongue as I solicited it from my mind. Stopping him from speaking, and as he let his arm stagger back and forth. Going up and down as he tried to talk, but his sudden eyes began to sparker, ever so dimly at the glossy shade that overcame it.

He was crying. 
I had made him cry.

"Rory p-please...I'm beggin' ya." That's when I couldn't control the quivering of my lip any longer, and instead did I let it hobble out in the open as he clearly saw the effect. I wanted to say so much, 'like I begged you to not do it?' but my voice wouldn't allow it, instead did I project outward the feeble response. "If something happened to you...I wouldn't have forgiven myself..." And with no free will of my own, did fate cast down on me for my tear to slip through the cracks. Whatever thought that Daryl acted upon for him to try and comfort me, I just back up further. 

My parents were coming home soon, and this room is supposed to be locked anyway. Seems as though, and this might be just a guess. All the windows he tried we closed and he couldn't open. He didn't understand the space I needed right now, nothing of my concern passed through him. And that's what worried me to high heaven, if I was there at his birthday nothing in this sort would have happened. "Babe, ya gotta." 

"I will. But you need to go..." He nodded, and just as he was about to leave out the window. Did I step to the side of the doorway, nicking my head to the side. "...Don't want you falling off," I warned, and he took that opportunity as he made his way into the hallway. While I took the second to take hold of the note and stuff it into my robe's pocket. 

In that instant did I realize that all I had on was the spare sports bra from the camp day yesterday, that and the leggings he cannot stand me wearing. Lucky for him, he didn't get the moment to stare as he was focused on my forgiveness.

Following him down the stairs, straight to the front door as he opened it. Was he half way on out, my beginning to close the main solid door as he snuck the peck of a kiss on my cheek. And nothing more before beginning the small jog back towards his truck.

Asshole. Fucking asshole. 

I muttered the entire time as I put the gun away, safety back into it's rightful area. Returning to the place where I was so innocently making myself some food, to find him lurking above in the house. 

Whatever sort of anger I had, it still made me watch from the window to see his drive off so recklessly out of my driveway. And instead was I left with a torn heart, tearing eyes and a crumpled up note in my pocket.

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Date Posted: 02-19-18  // Time: 12:35
Word-Count: 6900
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Norman's first tv appearence, what was it?
-P.S it's my favorite show!