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Lady in Red

Growing

Chapter 7 - Growing

The first morning in her new apartment, Beth bounded out of bed, excited to start her day. She still had quite a few boxes to unpack, though some of the boxes would have to remain full until she had shelves to put her books and movies on, her trinkets and little odds and ends that just didn't have a home yet.

She went around her apartment, making a list of what all she still needed. She started in her bedroom and worked her way out: teaching clothes, extra hangers, cleaning supplies for the bathroom, laundry basket, bath mat, toilet paper, nails to hang pictures on the walls, a hammer, shelves, curtains, dish soap, dish towels and wash rags, trash bags, trash can. Geez, getting an apartment set up is expensive. She wasn't surprised, but who ever thinks of all the little things? She was more grateful than ever to have such a wonderful family to get her kitchen started. Ugh, the kitchen...I need to go grocery shopping!

Beth planned out her day and set out, credit card ready to go. She started with a quick fast food breakfast and headed to the nearest Walmart, figuring it would be the best place to start price-wise. She grabbed all the supplies she needed for the apartment, skipping the grocery shopping for now. There was only so much room in her car, so she resigned to making a second trip just for groceries later in the day.

It took several trips up and down the stairs to empty out her car. She was a sweaty, panting mess by the time she was done unloading everything into the apartment. Ever the optimist, she thought Yeah, but think of the workout I'll be getting every time I go shopping. My legs are gonna look fantastic! She set to work putting everything away and getting her apartment to look like a home.

She was glad she’d had the forethought to grab a deli sandwich for lunch while she was out shopping. Her mother had always taught her to never go grocery shopping when she's hungry. Beth thought that piece of advice was particularly fitting when shopping at Walmart, where impulse buys were waiting in every aisle. She made it through the store relatively unscathed, only a pack of cookies and a bottle of wine somehow finding her way into the cart, and made the trip back home. She was exhausted by the time she had all the groceries unloaded from her car, but couldn't let herself relax until everything was put away.

Beth collapsed on the couch, completely bushed. She checked her watch; there were still a couple of hours before dinner time, and she grinned at the prospect of cooking for herself. She briefly wondered if Daryl would want to join her. She typed out a quick text, figuring he wouldn't get it until he was off work. He'd said he had a bunch of stuff coming up, that he'd be busy, but she figured there was no harm in asking.

As she relaxed on the couch, her mind wandered, postulating on just what else he had going on in his life. Maybe he'd picked up extra hours at the garage...or he found a second job. Based on how much she'd always paid for repairs on her car, she thought mechanics made pretty decent money. Why would he need a second job?

Beth shook her head. She was getting awfully nosy. She realized she basically had two jobs, it's just that one of the jobs wouldn't be paying her. Daryl kept pretty tight lipped about his life, only dropping tiny hints here and there about what he did in his free time - hunting - or why he'd gotten into mechanics - he was always good with his hands.

Beth's mind traveled down a wayward path, imagining what his hands would feel like on her. She loved the way his arms felt around her, making her feel so safe and protected. Last night he'd lifted her to sit in his lap then ran his hand up her thigh to hold her along her waist. As her thoughts went back in time, she swore she could still feel him touching her, the warmth from his hands seeping through her clothes. She was grateful that he'd stopped them when he did. She knew she wasn't ready for sex, and fell in love with him all over again for always...

Oh my God!


Beth sat bolt upright. Was she in love with Daryl? She definitely liked him, way more than a crush, but love? No. No, it was way too soon to even think about love.

And yet, there it was.

She did care about him very much, and missed him the moment he'd leave her. He was the first person she wanted to talk to in the morning and the last person she thought of at night.

Sounds a lot like love, buttercup.


She blushed, feeling kind of stupid for doing so since she was alone in her apartment. Her mind was still reeling when her phone chirped beside her.

I'd love to come over for dinner, but can't tonight.

Raincheck?

That's two dinners you owe me now.
She sighed heavily when her message went unanswered again. Stupid schedules, she grumbled to herself. She couldn't blame him, though. She knew he worked incredibly hard at his job. It wasn't his fault that her student teaching wouldn't start until tomorrow.

Geez! Tomorrow!
A new wave of excitement rushed through her as the realization sunk in. Beth jumped off the couch and went through her closet, deciding which outfit to go with for her first day as a...sort of...teacher. She settled on khaki capris and a cute top with sandals to match. She wasn't sure just how much her cooperating teacher would have her do during the first day, but would rather be ready to step in if she needed to. Beth had butterflies the size of Montana fluttering around in her stomach as she thought about getting a start on her teaching career. Maybe she'd be able to calm them down with some dinner.

She made herself dinner, feeling slightly bummed that she was eating alone. Come on now, Beth. You're a big girl. You can eat dinner all by yourself and not need to throw your own pity party.

After dinner she decided to throw in one of her favorite movies to calm herself down before bed. She was so keyed up about starting student teaching tomorrow, plus thoughts of Daryl and her recent self-discovery, there was no way she'd fall asleep any time soon, and she needed sleep before her big day tomorrow. The movie helped to calm her nerves, taking her mind of things for a while.

That is, she was calm until she walked into her bedroom and saw her outfit for tomorrow setting out and all the nervousness came flooding back. Beth tried breathing deeply to calm herself down and set to getting ready for bed. She was brushing her teeth when her phone chimed.

Yes ma'am.

Why, Daryl. So formal.
Yeah. That's me.
I didn't wake you, did I?
No. just getting ready for bed.
Oh, okay. Good luck tomorrow.
I know you'll do great.
Thanks. I'm super nervous.
Nah. You'll be fine. The kids'll love you.

Beth's heart skipped a beat when she saw that four-letter word. Calm down. He didn't say he loves you.

Well, I should probably get some sleep.
Alright, buttercup.
Sweet dreams.

Beth thought for a moment. Could she wish him sweet dreams back? Was that too girly? With a grin she replied, Only if they're of you.

Ha! Take that, Dixon.
She imagined him blushing at her response. She settled into bed and turned out the bedside lamp.

Her phone chirped one last time. She blinked against the brightness of the screen.

Here’s hoping. G'night, Beth.

:-* :-* :-*

Dammit. He won again. She sighed heavily, feeling her face flush as she tried to think of sleepy thoughts.

+ - + - + - + - + - + - + - + - + - + - + - + - + - + - + - + - +

Beth's eyes snapped open at the sound of her alarm. She still felt tired, but was far too excited to start her day to even think about staying in bed. She'd set the alarm so she would have plenty of time to get ready and get to school nice and early to meet with her cooperating teacher and find out what was expected of her. She had been e-mailing back and forth with Mrs. Shelor since she got her student teaching assignments. Beth had explained that she was moving into her new apartment and wouldn’t have an internet connection for a while. Mrs. Shelor seemed to be understanding about everything and even wished her luck with the new apartment. Beth pulled up to the elementary school and found a parking spot in the front, excited to finally put a face to the name of her cooperating teacher.

She reported to the school office first. Her mentor at college had advised all the students in her student teaching seminar to make friends with the school secretaries and janitors. She waited patiently at the counter, not wanting to disturb the secretary from what she was doing. Finally the other woman looked up, “Oh, hi hon! How can I help you?”

“Hi,” Beth returned the woman’s warm smile. “I’m Beth Greene. I’m student teaching with Mrs. Shelor.”

The older woman’s smile widened as she came over to the counter, “Oh, okay. Nice to meet you. I’m Kathy,” she held her hand out. Beth shook it, instantly feeling welcome. Kathy didn’t look or act like any of the secretaries from her school days. They were all very matronly and stern, as far as she could recall, anyway. Kathy had a sassy hair style and the fashion sense to match. Beth immediately liked her. “Let me go and get Mrs. Hughes, our principal.”

Kathy briskly walked to the far side of the office and knocked on the door jamb. She ducked her head in and murmured something, then returned to her desk. “She’ll be right with you.”

A moment later, a stern looking woman came through the doorway, “Beth Greene,” she greeted Beth and offered a firm hand shake. “It’s good to have you at our school.”

Beth smiled nervously, “Thank you, Mrs. Hughes.”

“Please, call me LuAnne. You’re a colleague now, not a student.” Her smile was reassuring.

Beth relaxed a little. “I’m really excited to get started.”

“I’m glad to hear that. Good luck today. Susie’s a great teacher, you’ll learn a lot from her,” LuAnne replied.

Oh, I like her,
Beth thought to herself. LuAnne seemed very no nonsense but compassionate as well. Minute by minute, her nervousness began to fade.

As LuAnne returned to her office, Kathy came back to the counter, presenting Beth with a name tag and a folder with information about the school. “I’m not sure if Susie’s here yet or not, but her door should be unlocked at least.” She gave Beth directions to the music room and wished her luck once again.

Beth made her way down the halls and found the music room, relieved to find the lights already on and who she assumed to be Mrs. Shelor quickly moving around the front of the room, setting up for the day. She knocked on the door and walked in. The woman turned around and smiled, “Hi! I’m guessing you’re Beth.”

She smiled widely, “That’s me! Nice to finally meet you in person.” Beth walked to the front of the room and shook the woman’s hand. She looked around the room and found it to be well organized with different centers for keyboards, computers, percussion – you name it this classroom had it. “I love your room!” Beth exclaimed.

“Thanks. It’s taken lots of years and lots of grant writing to get to this point,” she looked around her own room appreciatively. “Well, let’s go over the plans for today.”

They walked through the lesson plans, all carefully organized with materials set out. Susie explained that since the students had already been in class for a week, she wanted to introduce Beth slowly as their student teacher, so at first she just wanted her to observe until she caught the flow of the lesson plans. “I would rather have more hands on things for them to do rather than doing things out of the books, which are incredibly outdated anyway. We do a lot of songs and games that I’ve gotten from workshops over the years. You’ll catch on to them quickly, but I won’t make you stand up here with me until you’re comfortable enough to lead them.” Beth was grateful for that.

They started talking about goals for the quarter, setting up a basic timeline so that by the end of the nine weeks, Beth would be running all lesson plans for all classes. The thought seemed daunting at first, but Susie seemed to have confidence in her and reminded her that she’d be here for back up if Beth ever needed it. “That’s getting a little ahead of ourselves. Your first big decision is do you want them to call you Miss Beth or Miss Greene?”

“Um…Miss Greene, I guess.” At this age it didn’t really matter to her, but once she got to secondary, she’d want that recognition of title, if anything so she could at least feel older than the high schoolers she’d be teaching, rather than just the four years older than she really was.

Before she knew it, morning announcements were coming through the loud speaker and soon after, their first class of the day came in. Beth watched in awe as Susie transitioned from one thing to another flawlessly. Wow…I can really learn a lot from her. The classes flew by and all too soon it was lunch time. Beth followed Susie to the teacher’s lounge, where she met several more teachers. With trying to learn a few hundred student names, she wondered how she’d remember all the teachers’ names, too. Guess that’s all part of being a teacher…instant name memorization.

The day went on, one class after another. Even though Beth was just sitting and watching, she was captivated by the seamless lesson plans Susie had prepared and how well the students all responded to her. If she had to pick a favorite, it would be the kindergarteners, so cute and willing to learn, and so easily distracted, all of them wanting to tell their little stories. She decided that would be the grade level she’d want to take over first, and made a mental note to talk to Susie about it.

After the last of their classes had returned to their homeroom, Beth helped Susie clean up and set up for tomorrow. “We’ll have all different classes tomorrow. Unfortunately, this will be a slow week for you, just observing, but don’t worry,” Susie said with a smile, “You’ll be plenty busy in no time. What’d you think?”

“Um, you’re amazing!”

Susie laughed out loud. “Well, thank you. I’ve had lots of practice. You’ll get there, don’t freak out just yet.”

“Oh, I’m not freaking. Just…there’s so much to take in that college classes didn’t even mention.”

Susie nodded her head, “I felt the same way. Anyway, how’s the apartment?”

Beth grinned, “It’s good! Got all moved in and then spent a small fortune getting things set up inside, but…yeah…it’s nice. Kind of weird being alone, though.”

“Glad to hear it. New places always take some getting used to. I remember my first apartment. I don’t think I got a good night’s sleep for a good month or so after I moved in.”

Beth cringed at the thought of not sleeping well for that long. She hoped it wouldn’t take her a whole month to get used to her new place. “Yikes! Do you need anything else to get ready for tomorrow?”

“No, I think we’re good to go. If you want to come early again and we can keep talking about how to set up lesson plans. I know they tell you how to set them up in your classes, but, well, mine make sense,” she finished with a smirk.

Beth giggled, “Okay. I’ll be here. See you tomorrow!”

When Beth arrived back at her apartment, she found a large box sitting outside her door. Upon further inspection, she found there was no address label, just a handwritten note taped to the top, holding the top flaps together: “Open Me,” in very masculine handwriting. Her gut instinct had her grinning; she was pretty sure she knew who had dropped it off without any kind of return address.

She opened the door and picked up the box carefully, bringing it inside and setting it on the kitchen table. She took off the note and the flaps popped open. Looking inside Beth found a beautiful yellow orchid plant in a terra cotta pot. She pulled it out of the box carefully and found another note taped to the lip of the pot.

Thought maybe you’d want something to help brighten up your apartment, and it turns out buttercups don’t do great inside. Didn’t know what kind of planter you’d want. Guess I owe you one of those, too. The lady said to keep this inside, water it every couple days, don’t drown it.


Congratulations on your first day of teaching.


Daryl


Her heart was pitter-pattering rapidly in her chest and at the same time completely melting into a puddle. Beth found a spot on her kitchen counter where the orchid would get sunlight. The potting soil filling the flower pot was already pretty moist, so she decided to put off watering it until tomorrow. She returned to the large box, pulling out a smaller, white, house shaped box. Inside was an adorable dark brown teddy bear with a black leather jacket and a too cute pair of jeans with the bear’s little tail sticking out of the back. Beth laughed out loud as she hugged it to her chest, feeling its soft, almost shaggy fur against her chin. She all but skipped to her bedroom and placed him against her pillows and came back to the boxes on the table. She found the bear’s “birth certificate” in the smaller box, smiling as she read it. “Barry.” She giggled as she thought of Daryl going through the little factory and picking everything out for her, holding the little plastic heart and making a wish. Oh, what she would have done to have seen him, Mr. Tough Guy, going through the store, surrounded by kids and their mommies. Her heart was absolutely floating with giddiness. She scrambled through her purse for her phone.

She called Daryl, whose number was now saved in her speed dial list, knowing full well he wouldn’t answer, and that was alright with her. She got a tiny jolt of amusement as she heard his outgoing message: “Hey, it’s Daryl. Lee-me-a message. Bye.” It was short and to the point, and that growly southern drawl sent a thrill through her body. “Hi, Daryl, it’s Beth. You are seriously the sweetest guy on the planet. Thank you so much for the flowers and the bear. I absolutely love them. I guess, um, call me when you have a minute to talk.” She bit down on her tongue, stopping herself just in time from adding an “I love you” to the message, instead saying, “Umm…bye.”

Beth took the certificate back to her bedroom and placed it on top of her dresser before flopping onto her bed, cuddling close with Barry. She caught a whiff of the faux leather jacket and was reminded of the day Daryl had driven her around hunting for apartments; the smell of his leather jacket with the wings embroidered on the back. She sighed, and realized she’d been doing that a lot lately.

Yeah…Beth felt herself falling, and falling hard, in love with Daryl Dixon.

The next thing she knew, Beth was sitting bolt upright, jolted awake by the sound of her phone ringing on the kitchen table. Bringing Barry with her, she darted through the apartment and answered just before voicemail picked up. “Hello?” she croaked out, trying her hardest not to sound out of breath.

“Hey there, buttercup.”

Beth looked at the clock. 5:01. He had just gotten off work. “Hey there yourself,” she smiled.

“Ya alright? Your voice sounds weird.”

“I’m fine. I must have dozed off.” Beth was silently pleased that he noticed a change in her voice.

“Oh. Alright. Worn out from your big day?"

"Something like that." Seriously, how could she be so tired after just sitting all day?

"So, sweetest guy on the planet, huh? Do I get some kind of award for that?”

“You mean the title alone isn’t enough?” she teased.

“Didn’t say that. Just asking.”

“I think I can work something out. Thank you so much, Daryl. The flowers are beautiful and Barry…he’s just so handsome.”

“Ya like ‘em? I wasn’t sure you would.”

“Of course I do!” Beth exclaimed incredulously. “What girl wouldn’t like flowers and stuffed animals from her man?”

Daryl mumbled, “Oh, I can think of someone,” under his breath, almost low enough that Beth didn’t hear it. Before she could question it, Daryl continued, “How’s the apartment?”

“Good. I got almost everything unpacked, just some stuff that needs to go on shelves. Speaking of, can I ask you a favor?”

He gave an exaggerated sigh, “What now?” he asked, his voice melodramatic.

Beth giggled, “Well, I’ve got the shelves, but I don’t have a level to make sure I put them up right. I was hoping my big, burly, manly boyfriend would be able to help me out?”

Daryl chuckled, “Alright. I got a busy couple days, but I’ll figure something out and get you set up.”

“Thank you, Daryl,” Beth used her most sickeningly sweet voice. She wondered if he could hear her batting her eyelashes through the phone.

“You’re welcome. So how was school today?”

Beth relayed the highlights of her day, telling him how nice the other teachers were, how great a teacher Susie was, how sweet the kids were. “I can’t wait to really get my feet wet. I think this first week might kill me just sitting and watching.”

Daryl chuckled at her. “Ya little go-getter you. Sounds like you’ve got a good thing going there.”

“Yeah. I’m really excited about it! You should see these kindergarteners. They just steal your heart, they’re all so cute.”

“I’m sure they do,” he cleared his throat. “Hey, listen, I don’t have anything going Friday night. Can I take you out for dinner, celebrate your first week of teaching?”

“I’m not really teaching yet, Daryl. Just observing.”

“Well, maybe I just wanted to take my girl out.” He sounded genuinely hurt.

The line was quiet for a minute, and Beth mentally kicked herself. He was trying to be sweet and actually ask her on a date and she had to be flippant about it? “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have said that. I would love to go to dinner with you, Daryl.”

Another few seconds of silence ticked by before he spoke again. “Well, don’t let me put you out or anything.” The tone of his voice broke her heart.

“Oh, Daryl, I’m sorry. Please, forget I said anything. It was stupid. I didn’t mean I didn’t want to go, I just meant I don’t think me sitting and watching someone else work all week is cause for celebration. Please, Daryl, don’t be mad at me.” Tears were starting to prick the backs of her eyes. She sniffled them back.

“Not sure I could stay mad at you even if I was,” he murmured. “Friday it is. Where do you wanna go?”

Beth released the breath she’d been holding, partially to keep from crying and partially in anticipation of Daryl’s response. Her voice came out shaky, “Wherever you want. I trust you.”

“Alright, darlin’. Hey, I gotta get going home. I’ll talk to you later?”

“Oh. Okay. I’m really sorry, Daryl.”

“Don’t worry about it, buttercup. I’ll talk to you soon.”

Beth’s heart was nearly bursting, wanting to tell him that she loved him, but knew it was way too early to bring it up. Instead, she just said, “Talk to you soon. Bye, Daryl,” and hung up.

Notes

I'm trying, really trying to get back to my normal schedule with all these stories. With school picking up and everything, I just don't have the time to write like I did over the summer. I'll update when I can, and I'll always keep the rotation the same (Lady, Summer, Second Chance). I've got a couple little one-shots that have been bouncing around in my head (though I'm reluctant to put them up because for some reason all my one-shots turn into full-blown stories and I just can't start any others right now).

Thanks for all the followers and reviewers so far! I get a lot of reviews saying you love how sweet everything is and how romantic Daryl is. I feel I owe it to you to warn you, it's not going to be all happy times for these two, and some definite bumps in the road are on their way in the upcoming chapters. Stay tuned!

I love getting messages and reviews from you all - please keep them coming. Or if you want to talk about the show (oh my GOSH this season is amazing so far!) I'm always up for "talking shop." Follow me on tumblr and twitter - same screen name on all three.

Comments

@Jubilee124

I will definitely keep this story going. Right now I'm working on Man in Black, the companion story to Lady in Red. Exactly the same things happen, but it's all from Daryl's point of view. I've left it neglected for far too long, so I'm working on getting that all caught up, then I'll post for both stories at the same time. Thanks for reading and leaving a comment!

rckyfrk rckyfrk
7/27/16

OMG....after so long I finally got more. I love it. But it's not enough!!!!! Please say you will keep this story going? :-D

Jubilee124 Jubilee124
7/14/16

@Tripper

The story will definitely continue. I'm working on getting Man in Black caught up to this one, then update them simultaneously. It'll take a little while, but I'll get there, I promise. Thanks for reading!

rckyfrk rckyfrk
7/10/16

I know I just stumbled across this story, but does it continue beyond chapter 17?

Tripper Tripper
7/9/16

I can't believe I didn't realize this was you @rckyfrk lol!

Piper97 Piper97
7/21/15