Whispered Promises

Chapter Ten

"Whooo!! Ain't this a sight! Look at this yall, little brother must be sick, with jungle fever. Almost Simultaneously, Daryl and I jumped out of our sleep only to be faced with Dartl and his friends. Daryl looked angry, he held his head down like he disappointed his brother. They came closer and surrounded us. Merle grabbed Daryl's shoulder and laughed "I'm just playing with you little brother. We all take our walks on the dark side.". Daryl stood up and pushed Merle out of his face "Oh, shut up Merle ''. He grabbed my arm and led me back to the bike. Merle follows to antagonize Daryl some more. He stood in front of Daryl and his friends stepped closer to me. Pulling at my hair and clothes and calling slurs. Daryl growled "Leave her alone'' and yanked me closer to him."Whoa!! Lil' brother feeling a little strong" Merle taunted him. Daryl pushed past Merle "You're such an idiot". Merle got upset at Daryl not responding back to his antics " Well that's my bike right there. You better find another way to get your midnight snack home." I turned around to Merle and slapped him across his face. I must've spilt his lip because when he turned back around his lip was bleeding. Before Merle could respond, Daryl pulled and pushed me behind him. "Mmmmm, I can tell why you like her, she is all personality", he licked his lips while looking at me. I whispered in Daryl's ear and said " I'm scared, I wanna go home.". Daryl stepped back from Merle, grabbed my arm, and turned to walk me home. "Ignore him, I told you he's a jackass". Merle was yelling in the distance as we tried to get further from the group.

When we got closer to my house we saw David getting in his car. Daryl was about to let go of my hand, but I held it tighter. David saw us and shook his head in disappointment. As we walked up the driveway and passed his car he said, "Your mother was worried about you. Stayed up all night waiting for you. You need to grow up, Elizabeth.". Not wanting to argue I just responded with an Ok. As he's backing out, David; looks at Daryl and shakes his head. "Trouble" was all he said. I pull Daryl closer and said, "Just ignore him, He's An Jackass". He leaned over and kissed my cheek.

"I'll see you later, Liz".

I was taken aback because of the kiss accompanied by the nickname. Daryl didn't seem like the type to make any type of move let alone the first one. I must've had a stunned look on my face because he had rejection written on his face.

"I'm Sorry"

He started to walk away, but I pulled him back. Kissed him on the cheek and said, "See ya later Dixon". He smiled even brighter, a sight that I never that I'd see.

"Do you want me to stay with you?" he asked, looking at my porch. I turn and see my mother watching and waiting at the door. "Nah, I should be fine. My mom can be pretty understanding sometimes".

"We opening the bar later on?"

"Yep."

"Alright, see ya later", he patted me on my shoulder and started to walk away.

I Turned toward the porch and started walking up the stairs. I came into the house but my mother wasn't standing where she was. My Grandmother yelled out "SHE'S IN THE HOUSE". My Mother came down the steps dressed for work. I sat down on the couch and she moved to sit across from me.

"Elizabeth, Where did you go last night?", she asked.

"Daryl took me for a ride to clear my thoughts", I responded.

"And what was the conclusion you came to?"

"That I shouldn't have spoken to you like that. I was being mean, childish, and unfair to you mama. I'm so sorry".

My mother came and sat on the couch next to me. "I should apologize to you because there was no reason I should have behaved that way toward you. I am so sorry too baby.", she said as she held my hands. She pulled me into a hug and we stayed that way for about a minute. Once we separated she rubbed my hair down "And another thing, please don't ever leave this house like that again, ok?"

"I won't Mama"

"Okay, I'm gonna head to work, I'll see you later. I love you."

After my mother left, I went into the kitchen to find my grandmother fixing breakfast.

"Hey Mama E", I say grabbing orange juice out of the fridge. "Hey, LIbby-beth. So.... you were out with your boyfriend all night?", she said with a sneaky smile. "No, I was out with my Friend all night", I responded. She threw her hands up and laughed, "I was just asking.". I made myself a plate and sat down at the table with her.

"Do you like him?"

"Who?", I played dumb.

"Girl, now you know I'm talking about Daryl", she as she playfully threw a grape at me.

"I don't know maybe"

"Maybe? I was watching y'all from the window and there's definitely something between you two.", she continued.

" Okay Grandma, I'm going to go take a nap", I got to avoid the conversation.

"So just so you know, I'm going to say I told you so when something does happen". She continued to tease me.

"Bye!!!", I said as I ran up the stairs.