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I knew what I was doing when I was packing my backpack, just my laptop and a few clothes. Not much else I'd need when I was staying at the base where mom was at. Already warning her that school was getting a bit too much for me and I need a break.

She wasn't keen on the idea of missing a day, or even two. But she wasn't about to deny it either, so off I was packing. Taking my sweet ass time, even responding to Shawn's text of appreciation in getting him out of the holding cell. I would have gone with Daryl, but it would be must more responsible if we stayed away from one another. 
Just until the smoke clears, if that even were to occur. 

I won't ever forgive Daniel, not even in the slightest. He abused my trust in him, the smallest bit of it that he was given. Along with Jarod, I was wrong with my previous thought, this wouldn't just blow over. The rumors and the lies are too wild to not pay attention to. 
Now wonder he was so angry, I've never seen him like that. Rude. Racist and above all obnoxious, whether it was his friends that fueled it all or his inner self finally being introduced to me. 
I wasn't having it, especially when I heard the slammed door sound off downstairs. 

"Blake?! Blake?!" I laughed, no longer folding my clothes so neatly in my backpack. But instead, did I just stuff it on in to secure my laptop from actually touching either side of the bag.

"Blake?! Mind telling me what the hell was that this morning?!" Again did a chuckle escape my lips, smiling ever so brightly at this crazed man who was standing in my room about to accuse me for whatever the hell he thinks I did. "Could ask you the same thing."

"Listen to yourself Blake, he's the one that did it, he's a-" I put my hand up, moving away from the far side of the bed to come closer to him. And before he says one more word about my friend, I was going to address one damn thing.

"I know what he is, but at least he owns up to it! Daryl didn't do anything wrong, he helped me get home, he held my hair back when I was trying to get the drug out of me. And all you can do is point your damn finger at everyone other than the one who did it."
"You're hanging out with all those people Blake, they're bad-"
"Who are you to judge my fucking friends? They're defending me more than you ever will." I grabbed my backpack over my shoulder before passing him by down the hallway and right through the front door. Honestly surprised that he hadn't followed just yet, but even then did I speak far too soon.

"They're not your friends Blake. Those druggies don't care about you!" Continuing to walk on forward, did I not bother to turn back until he caught up fully in front of me. Finally understanding my motive in leaving, just not the destination of where I was headed. "Daryl didn't give me anything to drink, I was safer at the bonfire than your shitty excuse of a party. Now. Move." Was all I said, pushing past his shoulder and finally making it to the barn without any further interruptions, but now he stood in front of the barn doors exit. Fixing my backpack to be secured to the second seat was the only thing I could do, the ride isn't too long. This should be fun...

"Where are you going?"
"Hang out with some druggies, do some coke, hear a pretty good bathroom story going around school huh?...Funny how you don't know a damn thing about me and you still want to be the higher person Jarod." I spit, taking out the spare helmet. Due to the fact I forgot my good one at school in my locker, guess the big distraction was enough to not allow me to get it...

But I called him out on everything he needs to hear. And in that did he move out of the way, leaving me to walk the bike with my legs on either side of my ride. Letting it roar for a good minute before look back on up to him, did I say where I was going. And when I was going to come back.

His nod allowed me to leave, and in leaving did I not look back. I just drove straight through, moving right along into the main road and heading for the highway. The breeze was refreshing to say the least, especially since this was the longest I've driven it for. I should have done this weeks ago, take the bike up on to the base.

To my surprise was I let straight through the gate, the people there were generally nice. But in all, they were keen on remembering the General's stepdaughters name and recognition quicker than most. 

When I got into my room, mom set it up fairly nice. Left a note, telling me where there's a good place for dinner if I was interested. Along with money, directions all this and that. She was very particular in leaving me alone, that or she was just working heavy to avoid any and all thoughts about Michael overseas. 

I haven't heard much about the war, or what my stepdad might be doing over there. But it wasn't good in case of casualties or anything of the sort. So parking my bike into the garage and fumbling with the front door was I overall nervous. 
The leather jacket and motorcycle wasn't the look I'd give to a General's daughter but no soldier seemed to mind at the front gate. And I wouldn't either if it wasn't for this empty house just sitting here.

I managed to get work done, a lot more or less. Keeping tabs on my college application heading towards New Haven, the top school I was interested in until my life turned around for the better. And as much as I hate that damn state for the shit it's put me through, perhaps I can save another teenager or child in the mist of it all as well.

That's what I aspire to be. Or do.

*

My few days were up, and by my luck was I just taking the Friday to come to school. Retrieve all my missed work, and have enough time to get it all ready and finished before. Shawn was nice in class, saying he'd pay me back for the bail when he could. Try as I might, he wouldn't agree with the simple 'no,' and I didn't want to talk about it any further. 
That was the only class I really spoke in, he asked me how I was doing. How home life is treating me but in reality. I left early this morning from the base and haven't been home, or seen Jarod for that matter. He doesn't know I'm in school, better yet, Maddie doesn't know what happened on Monday. 

Perhaps it slipped my brother's mind when he was going on and on about how much he cares, there's no evidence to prove that Daniel did it. And there probably never will be, it's just my word against his, and even then does everyone points to Daryl. It slipped my mind of telling people where I was, the only reason Shawn really knew is that he made sure at least twice a day that everything was alright. 
And to be honest, I was over the fact that Daniel could have raped me. He still sends chills down my spine whenever I see him in the hallway and I'm alone, another reason Shawn took the task in walking me to the next few.

I think everyone in the group knows, especially after what Daryl did for me. It was a clear cut corner, even people I didn't even look at at the party seemed to make due with a small minute conversation as they walked with me. So I was never alone on Friday, not until I came home.

That's when I was alone.

Out of everyone who walked with me, I didn't see Daryl, not once today. Perhaps he ditched, maybe Daniel caught him outside of school and he's out. But I couldn't find myself to text him, instead, I played his voicemail over again. 

"Hey Blake. Sorry I left, Maddie said you'd be alright and I was gonna beat your brother's ass if he kept pointin' any more fingers at me. Hope ya feelin' better soon. Night."

He stood true to his word in that regard, but I didn't send the text. Instead, did I ready myself for work, took more than enough time off this given week that I don't want to lose this job.

Only one close to home and hell of a nice person for a boss.

*

The weeks flew by just like that, Jarod and I haven't been on the best terms. Not since the fight and my siding with Daryl, but Maddie confirmed my side just a day after the outbreak, and since nothing can be confirmed. My brother thinks it's best to not allow Daniel over the house, not when I'm around, and not until I feel comfortable with him being here.

Ryan on the other hand, was more than apologetic, if he wasn't already in class when the fight broke out. He would have tried to stop it, he was more upset about the entire situation was than my own brother, and in that regard did I show a little more respect for my date to the party than anyone else. 

But no one came close to Daryl.
 

I haven't seen him, and when I say that. I mean he hasn't been in school, hasn't shown up to my work. Nothing. Not even a single aspect of light to shine anywhere. There were times I was tempted to call him, but my mind slipped away, always pushing it further and further away. And now look, it's Thanksgiving in just two days. The break started today, and the ride home in the dropping temperature just reminded me of upping my leatherwear for the next few months. 


A surprise at that no one warned me of the temperature here. It isn't as bad as Connecticut, but it isn't great either. Nothing like Florida, or California. What I would pay for the hot sun right about now, to wear shorts. Anything instead of having to double up on socks.

Mom suggested that I start taking the jeep to school, and in fairness...I didn't really want to, it was almost the same thing as just going with my bike, but if Jarod was unable to take Mickey to daycare, I'd make the effort and take the damn car.

Everything else has been slow, work, school, college...Michael should be coming home soon, understandably he won't be home for thanksgiving given the recent reports he's been telling us about. But high hopes for Christmas.

Instead, I wondered what to get everyone for the holidays, making a list was exhausting. And the only one I had down was the baby of the house, otherwise...I couldn't think of anything. Jarod could leave the house and buy whatever he wishes, and instead am I meant to find a gift that might interest him?

Mom was the second easiest, at this point in our relationship. Just being together was enjoyable enough, so I opted for a beautiful necklace and matching earring set, in case there is some sort of event at the base. I just thought of the idea and hoped it'd be good enough.

Michael on the other hand, I worried for. When it comes around Christmas time I'm going to ask mom, and until then. I'll focus on Jarod more or less. But as soon as I started doodling in the corner of the brainstorming paper, was I called to dinner. Sighing out loud, did I just run downstairs to be able to help my mother before she placed on the plates onto the table. 

She'd usually call right before she's done, but I can't stand not helping her out. Especially with the amount of time she's working at the hospital, even I can't think straight staying up all night long.

With dinner silent, as usual, the causal 'how was school/work' floated around, an opportunity at the base popped up, but I was too worn down after today to even think about it.

Maybe I was caught up with Daryl, and how he suddenly vanished. Just the same as how he popped out of nowhere, no one stated or even bothered muttering his name. The thought of Merle getting stuck in jail again set aside another worry that I didn't need.

Why was I so amped up about this stranger?

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Date Posted: 01-8-18  // Time: 5:57
Word-Count: 2183
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