Memories on the Ozarks (Close)

[TabascoKV]

Rupert remained calm, expecting the worst possible reaction. Reaching into his pocket, he pulled out a handkerchief and wiped the beading sweat off his forehead. Folding it into a neat little square Rupert met Daniel’s gaze.

“Because he trusts you, Daniel. He trusts you to make the right decision when the time is right. He didn’t want to tell her when she was too young to understand, and it’s not the kind of discussion one has over the phone.” Sighing, he tucked the white cloth back into his pocket. “You’ll do the right thing, Daniel. I know you will.”

 

[pa1ndru1d]

Danny had to force himself not to crumple the letter. It was the last correspondence he had from the old man. “Rupert. This isn’t fair.” His eyes reread the portion where Joe had said that Dan was probably furious with him. No, Joe. Fuck. I wasn’t furious with you. I was fucking hurt.

Rupert asked him if there was anything else Dan needed. While Dan wanted to scream at him, rant and rave at him. He knew it wouldn’t solve his problem, so he merely shook his head. “Danny, you have my number if you need me. I mean it.” Rupert said as he climbed back into his car and drove off.

Dan folded the letter up and stuck it in the visor of his truck. If I don’t tell her right away, and she finds out later, she will never forgive me. He thought to himself as he hopped into his own truck. He needed some time to think, so he headed out toward his spot.

The water cascaded over the rocks and Dan was drawn to the water. He wanted more than anything else to feel the water crash over his shoulders and get lost in the rays of sunshine that crept through the canopy. There wasn’t anyone else on the farm except the regular hands so Dan stripped down and slipped into the water. He paddled over to the rocks in lazy strokes until he was just below the roaring water. He closed his eyes and felt it knead into his neck and shoulders.

 

[TabascoKV]

The shower had felt refreshing, and she had almost been tempted to draw herself a bath, but decided that time would not permit her to soak in a tub all day. Once out, she got dressed in a red sundress, thankful that the weather was comfortable enough for it. She had almost been tempted to go out in just the dress until she caught sight of herself in the mirror. Her stomach turned at the sight of the long scar, and another scar on her shoulder. Turning around, she looked over shoulder and could see the tops of scars. Sighing, she reached into her closet and took out a jean jacket to wear over the dress. If Daniel had seen her scarred up back, he hadn’t spoken about it. Still, Becca wasn’t in the mood to advertise.

After she dried her hair and put on a little make up, she waited around. Her eyebrows furrowed when she realized that Daniel hadn’t made it back. She was just picking up the phone when a knock sounded at the door before the creaking announced a visitor.

“In here.” Calling out, she looked up as Matt walked through the door.

“You guys ready yet?” Smiling good naturedly, Matt reached up and took off his cowboy hat.

“I am, but I’m not sure where Dan is. I’m starting to get concerned.” Gnawing on her bottom lip, she picked up the phone once more.

“Eh, I’ll drive up to the creek and see if he’s there. He probably lost track of time.”

*

Matt drove around the property until he spotted Dan’s truck. Pulling up next to it, he hopped out and walked down to the water. Shaking his head, he slid his hands into his front pockets.

“Danny, I love you like a brother, but I have seen your naked ass too many times.”

 

[pa1ndru1d]

The cool water flattened the hair to Dan’s scalp. His eyes were closed and he thought over his options. He really could not come up with any reason why he shouldn’t just come right out and tell her. Just show her the papers. Read the letter. Well, most of the letter.

Danny sighed and tilted his head up to face the water. He jumped as he heard Matt’s voice. “Oh. Hey Matt, what brings you out this way?” Dan swam to the edge and noticed that Matt was dressed up a bit. “You headin’ out for the evenin?”

He pulled himself from the water and slipped his jeans and shirt on.

 

[TabascoKV]

Matt made it a point to avert his gaze, sighing as he shook his head. When Daniel was dressed, he looked back over at him.

“Yeah, and your girlfriend was getting concerned because you were nowhere to be found. Did you forget we were all goin to the festival?” Lifting his eyebrow, he scrutinized Dan carefully. “What’s goin on? You’re like an elephant. Forgetting things isn’t your style.”

 

[pa1ndru1d]

Fuck. The festival. Right. “Nothin’” He shook his head and water sprayed. There was no way he could tell Matt what was going on, not before he talked to Becca, anyway. “Tell ya what, I’ll meet ya back to the main house. I need to throw some clothes on.”

Dan hopped into his truck and drove back to his place. He didn’t really have time to shave and get cleaned up so he slapped some cologne on and grabbed a dry pair of pants and a clean shirt. He was sporting a two day growth, but hoped he could pull it off, at least for the night.

He opened the kitchen door and apologized for being late. Every time he saw Becca, he was at a loss for words as to how to broach the subject. Maybe a beer will make it easier. he thought…

 

[TabascoKV]

Becca had begun to pace back and forth in the living room, an uneasiness filling her. She knew it wasn’t uncommon for Daniel to get busy and lose track of time, but she had left him with Rupert. As she walked in a circle, she jumped when the phone rang. Halfway running to it, hoping it was Matt or Dan, but knowing that Dan didn’t call the house phone didn’t leave her with any real desire.

“Hello?” Picking up the phone, she was greeted with silence. “Hello?” Speaking a little more firmly, she rolled her eyes and hung up the phone. Hearing the back door, she halfway ran into the kitchen. Matt had returned, and she couldn’t help but exhale with disappointment.

“Well, I’ll try not to take that personally.” Grinning, Matt walked over to the fridge and opened it, grabbing a bottle of water.

“I’m sorry. Did you find him?”

“Yeah, he was just out for a swim at the creek. He was gonna run by his place and change.”

When he finally came into the kitchen, she felt relieved.

“Y’all ready?” Trying not to let Dan see the near panic of not knowing where he had been, she put on a small smile.

 

[pa1ndru1d]

Dan held the envelope in his hands. Everything within him said that this was the right thing to do. So, why was he suddenly so unsure of his actions? He folded the envelope in half and slipped it into his back pocket thinking that he should test the waters first.

From his take on things, Becca wasn’t too fond of her father and she loved Joe with all her heart. This should be a no brainer… Right??? Dan walked over to Becca and kissed her; but he was afraid that he couldn’t mask the concern he felt. He hated feeling like he was hiding something from her. He had never before had such an open relationship with someone in his life.

They had decided that Matt would drive; it was his first night going out since he had quit drinking and he felt that it would be a better incentive if he was the designated driver. They drove back over to Matt’s place and picked Sheila up before making the trek into town. She needed the extra time to finish getting ready.

The four of them experienced a far less uncomfortable time together with less tension in the air. Small talk prevailed, although Dan asked some deeper questions regarding their relationship and spent most of the time holding Becca’s hand in the back seat of the SUV. It was an attempt to show Sheila that there was nothing going on between Matt and. If Sheila could see that Dan was comfortable with Becca being around Matt, maybe she could come around as well.

For Dan, it was little more than a forced effort. He did truly care, but he had deeper issues on his mind. He even had a plan forming in his head for how to broach the subject without coming right out with it. He wasn’t looking forward to being the man that destroyed Becca’s world. There were already enough of them in her life. She needed strength and stability.

Without realizing it, Danny sighed aloud as they pulled into an empty space uptown and began to walk the few blocks to the festivities.

 

[TabascoKV]

Becca cast curious looks at Daniel all the way to the festival. She could tell that something was off, but decided if he didn’t want to talk about it, then she wouldn’t try to prod. Not in front of Matt and Sheila. When Sheila got into the SUV, Becca could tell she was being sized up. Rolling her eyes, she shook her head, torn between feeling amused and finding it ridiculous. When they pulled into the parking lot, she looked up at Dan, her eyebrows furrowing.

Within the hour they had met the large group and the socializing began. The band was a mixture of rock and country, and everybody took turns dancing with one another. Of course, Becca avoided dancing with Matt merely on principle. A slow dance started, and Becca snagged Daniel, wrapping her arms around his neck.

“Where are you tonight?” Smiling softly, she peered up at him.

 

[pa1ndru1d]

The band wound down a slow step and moved into a country style waltz. Dan immediately squared his shoulders and began to move her about in a quick box step, falling easily into the three beat rhythm. He spun her and guided her into a twinkle as they moved around the floor.

While initially, he had had no intention of drinking to show his support of Matt, but Danny had managed to sneak a beer to aid his nerves. He reached in and gave her a kiss on the cheek. “I have been thinkin’ bout family. You know I haven’t had family since I was a boy, so tell me about your mother. Are you two close?”

 

[TabascoKV]

Becca followed his lead, unable to keep the look of surprise off of her face when he broke out in some technical move. His answer surprised her, and she surveyed his question before answering.

“My relationship with my mom is…odd. I mean, my father was very much so the head of his family, so when my mom and I would start to get too close, he’d intervene. I’m not sure why. After awhile, she just became interested in living her life through me. At the same time, my mom has supported me. I dunno… it’s just weird.” Shrugging, she pulled a little closer to him. “What made you think about this?”

 

[pa1ndru1d]

Dan processed her answer quickly, and he was grateful that Joe had taught him how to waltz because it gave him the opportunity to keep her attention focused on some things other than the topic at hand. He wasn’t sure how to finesse his way around with this. The truth was, he didn’t even want to. The song came to an end all too soon and he was walking her over to the edge of the floor. “Becca, I ain’t never been fond of pussyfootin’ around a tough situation. I needed to know about yer ma’ cuz Rupert slammed with me a job to do, well, Rupert and your uncle. It seems that the surprises keep coming from him.”

He walked her down a side street that was somewhat less busy. He reached into his back pocket and pulled out the papers. “Becca, accordin to these documents, Joe wasn’t your uncle. He was your daddy.”

 

[TabascoKV]

Staring at him as he led her away, she looked at him with concern. He had been acting strange since that afternoon, and Becca was starting to worry about him. Lifting her gaze, she furrowed her eyebrows. Shaking her head, she felt so baffled.

“Dan, I don’t…” She stopped when he pulled out a bunch of papers, she took them. His words stilled everything inside of her. At first, she thought he was telling her some awful joke, but the words jumped out at her from the page. A mixture of emotions surged through her body, but she felt the numbness most of all. She wasn’t sure how long she stood there, staring at the words on the paper until they blurred.

Swallowing the growing lump in her throat, she handed him the papers. Without a word, she turned from him and began walking away. She didn’t know where she was going, but she just needed space. She needed to breathe.

 

[pa1ndru1d]

Dan took the papers from her, “Becca… wait. Let me share this with you.” The words fell on deaf ears as she walked down the side road away from the bustling crowd. He only hoped that she wouldn’t blame him.

Dammit, I didn’t ask for this.

He had had a feeling that this would happen, and Dan was prepared for it. He moved in behind her, always keeping her in view. Shortly, he sped up and gently took her by the elbow, making her pause. He moved around in front of her and pulled her in to him.

“Shh darlin. Tell me what you are feelin, hon.”

 

[TabascoKV]

The more she walked, the stronger the urge came to be angry about it all. She was angry with her mother, her father, and Joe. They had all lied to her, and she had missed out on what could have been a perfect childhood because of it. Tears began to fall down her cheeks as she tried to control her emotions. She bit her bottom lip until she tasted blood and wrapped her arms around herself. When Dan caught up to her, she was torn between wanting to burrow herself into him and wanting to flee from him. She pushed away from him, shaking her head.

“No. I don’t want to talk.” Becca’s voice came out sharp as she turned and began walking back out toward the parking lot. The whole world needed to disappear.

 

[pa1ndru1d]

“Dammit, woman. You’re startin to piss me off. What are you gonna do?!? Walk home?” There wasn’t a chance that he’d let her go on her own. She needed to get that out of her flighty little head. “At least let me drive you home. It’s the only way you’re gonna get rid of me, Rebecca.”

He was trying hard not to let his anger grow to ridiculous proportions. Dan reminded himself that she wasn’t angry with him, it was the circumstances. The fact that he was made an unwilling part in it all didn’t help matters.

 

[TabascoKV]

“What else is new, Daniel?” She spit back, her hazel eyes narrowing as she crossed her arms over her chest. “You didn’t drive, remember? I’ll get Matt to run me home.” Shaking her head, she took off in the direction where they had left Matt, but turned around briefly.

“And if you call me Rebecca one more time, I will stop responding to you.” There was venom in her voice as she made an attempt to move into the crowd before he had a chance to catch up to her.

 

[pa1ndru1d]

Matt and Sheila were both enjoying a funnel cake when Beth interrupted them. It was obvious that Beth was upset, but the clouded look that came over Sheila’s face was enough to make Matt pause before continuing. “Come on and we’ll take you home. Now, Beth… what happened?” He asked as he turned toward the parking lot, pulling Sheila with him. He couldn’t leave her behind.

Damn, fool, woman. And screw you, too, Joe. Sonnofabitch. He felt immediate shame wash over him as that thought crossed his mind.

He watched her until she was safe again and went out to the SUV. He sat in the driver seat and pulled the keys from the floor mat and started the truck. He was still going to see her home safely, he didn’t much give a shit if she liked it or not.

Matt saw Dan sitting behind the wheel long before they made it to the truck and he saw an immediate fix to the situation, and probably the best solution for everyone involved. “Beth. You two need to talk this out. Let Danny take you home. He’ll behave. I promise.” Matt opened the door to the SUV and ushered her in. “Buckle up. Danny…” Matt’s look said it all, he felt no need to continue.


*

At first the two rode in silence. Finally, Dan could hold it in no longer. "Beth. I'm sorry about the 'Rebecca' thing. It slipped. I wasn't thinkin'. I really am sorry. None of this was my fault."

 

[TabascoKV]

Becca ignored the look on Sheila’s face, not caring to deal with the woman’s attitude. Out of the two of them, Sheila was the one had a problem keeping her hands to herself, not Becca. She glared daggers at Matt when he spoke to her at the truck, sending him every ounce of nonverbal animosity she could muster. After hesitating, she plopped into the passenger seat and pulled over her seat belt.

Her jaw was clenched as she stared out the window, staring absentmindedly as the road flew by. When he spoke, Becca felt her muscles tighten. The last thing she wanted to do right now was talk. She wasn’t a talker when she was upset. Becca was the type who would segregate herself and crawl up into herself. Leaning her forehead against the window, she closed her ears, willing tears and hurt to supersede the anger. She didn’t want to be angry with her uncle.

 

[pa1ndru1d]

Dan fell into silence and he drove on. Finally, he pulled the SUV over to the soft shoulder and they sat in the shade of a willow that hung over the short cliff face. He was close enough to the embankment that she couldn’t open the truck door and get out if she wanted to run from him.

“Becca. Part of being in a relationship is sharing the worst of times along with the best of times. Why are you feeling upset? I mean, really. Let’s take a look at the situation.” Dan paused and reached over and gently pulled her chin to face him. “Please?”

 

[TabascoKV]

For a few moments, Becca thought she was free and in the clear. When he pulled over, she felt the frustration beginning to seep back up. She allowed her face to be turned towards him, but there was a stubborn harshness to her gaze. A sarcastic laugh escaped her lips at his question, and she shook her head.

“Why am I upset? Really? Did you really just ask that?” Shaking her head incredulously, she looked back out the window. “Take me home Dan. I don’t want to talk about this. Not right now.”

 

[pa1ndru1d]

Dan rolled his eyes as she turned back to the window. For fuck sake. he thought. “Becca, really? Yes. I did just ask that. What about this pisses you off? You aren’t fond of who you thought was your father, and you just found out that your favoritest person in the world is your dad.”

He actually shook his head as his eyes filled with tears. “You know what I’d fuckin give to learn that Joe was my old man? Holy shit. So save your sarcasm. And tell me what part of this is fuckin you up, girl.”

 

[TabascoKV]

Shaking her head, she felt the anger beginning to boil up inside of her. She didn’t expect him to understand what she was going through, nor was she in a state of mind to try to explain.

“Daniel Collins, move this truck or so help me I will crawl out the back.” Her voice was shaky but defiant. They were still a good five miles away from the farm, but if Becca had to walk it, she would. “I am not ready for this conversation.”

 

[pa1ndru1d]

“You have got to be the most stubborn woman I have ever met, Becca.” He shook his head. “For God, sake. Just talk to me.”

Just then, Rebecca loosed her seat belt and climbed between the seats, Dan just behind her. He scrambled on her and pulled her over to face him in the back seat. His hands were firm but he was cautious. “Calm down, Becca. We aren’t goin’ anywhere until we talk this out. I’m not taking you somewhere else so that you can just lock yerself up in your room or go runnin round the countryside. Settle down and… Talk. To. Me.”

 

[TabascoKV]

Becca couldn’t sit here another moment. Her anger was beginning to turn towards Dan, and she was tired of hearing his voice for the time being. He surprised and scared her when she suddenly felt him halfway on top of her, finding herself facing him. A panic seized up inside of her, and she didn’t hear his words. Instead, she tried to pull herself out from under him.

“Get off me.” Screaming, a note of hysteria pierced the silence around. Without warning, tears began pouring down her face as she found herself once again transported to a different time with a different person. “Please don’t turn into him, please.” Speaking through sobs, Becca pleaded with him, her earlier fears of Dan turning like Nick did at the forefront of her mind.