Whispered Promises

Chapter Sixteen

   "Ay, Alijah. What toppings do you want on your pizza?", I walked into the living room.

"Probably just chess." " she said, flipping through channels. I began to type in the number to the pizza place.

"Um Elizabeth did you and Daryl break up?".

I stopped typing and looked up at her. "No. Why would you ask that?".

"I" 'm just asking, haven't seen him around in a while.".

"It's only been a week; he's probably just taking some time for himself.".

"Maybe", She shrugged her shoulders.

"And what the fuck is that supposed to mean?", I said in an irritated tone.

"I'm just saying, you don't actually know what he's doing right now. So maybe he's taking time for himself or maybe he could be shacked up with another girl.".

"I promise you Daryl is not with some other girl", I laughed at the accusation.

"And how do you know that?"

"Because I know Daryl.".

"Okay, I'm just looking out for you", She threw her hands up.

"Why are you even asking all these questions? I thought you liked Daryl.".

"I do like Daryl".

"Then shut up about it".

"Elizabeth let's not act like it's not weird. He's been gone for a week. No note, no call, nothing. If he was my man, I would think he either left me, cheating or dead.".

"Good thing, he's not your man", I slammed the house phone down and started to walk toward the front door.

"Are you seriously mad?", Alijah followed behind me.

"NO, I'm absolutely ecstatic that you are accusing my boyfriend of cheating on me", I yelled at her sarcastically.

As I was putting on my shoes, she stood in front of the door. "Where are you even going?".

"I don't know. Anywhere, but here.", I pushed past her and stomped out the front door.

I lied. I knew exactly where I was going. I know Daryl isn't the type to cheat, but I still worry about his safety. I have no idea where he is, but I know Merle would. I at least knew where Merle would be Rita's bar.

I pulled up to the bar and barely packed before jumping out of the car. I entered the bar, and I immediately scanned the room. "Elizabeth, what are you doing here? You don't have work today", Rita said walking up to me.

"Hey, Rita. I'm just looking for someone.", I answer back while still looking around the room. I spot him sitting at a table full of people laughing, drinking, and playing cards. "I see him. I'll see you later, Rita", I walked off.

When I approached the table, everyone stopped and looked at me. Charlotte was sitting next to Merle. His arm wrapped around her. When she saw me, she smiled smugly and buried herself in a deeper embrace.

"Got tired of Daryl and now you want Merle. Well, he's all mine", She giggled. I rolled my eyes at the nonsense she was accusing me of. "Girl, I promise you, I don't want Merle.".

"Why not? I think I'm a great catch", Merle licked his lips looking at me.

"You would think that. But no thank you, pieces of shit aren't really my cup of tea.".

"Oh, sweetheart you would have a wonderful night with me".

"Doubt it. But I'm not here for this repulsive conversation. Do you know where Daryl is?".