Meet the Coach

@ Jinx...
Micheal didn’t understand why he felt so awkward having Kaylynn here at the gym with him. Maybe it was because it was so weird having a girl there, maybe it was his masculinity. He was proud of her and proud to have her. But he still wanted to look like a man and be recognized as a man. He licked his lips almost nervously as his mind went back to the night of the championship and he just shook his head. “Listen my man card is what gets me into the gym.” He joked as he continued to do push-ups. When they were down he moved onto his knees and stood up, raising an eyebrow at her. Was she trying to start trouble or did she genuinely want to try that. Micheal rubbed the back of his neck and laughed awkwardly. “We can do that if You want to.” He told her.

-

Bailey wasn’t able to find any info on the symbol or anything of the sorts. She leaned back in her chair and tapped the desk. Her face solemn and sad. Hope you’re having fun with your friends She sent to Royce. Even when she was feeling sad and betrayed snd hurt. She was still drawn to him. She wanted Royce to make everything better. This wasn’t his fault. She tried to keep reminding herself of that fact. She wasn’t mad at him. Her mood was just broken on its own.

@ BadStreetBoys
Kaylynn blushed as he stopped. She sat up and leaned back on her arms looking at him. "It's okay to tell me no." She shrugged. "Your probably right anyways its to early." She said. She bit her lip. "I'm sorry." She blushed looking a little unsure of herself. She was in his element and it was like he didn't want her here or at the very least didn't know how to act with her here. Maybe this had been a bad idea." She had never felt out of place with Micheal. Maybe like she didn't belong next to him but never unwanted. This just felt like he didn't want her here. She bit her lip. "How about you just do yout usual workout and I'll just get in a few of my own reps." She said feeling the tightening in her throat but she refused to cry here or in front of Micheal. She knew what it felt like to be the person not wanted somewhere. She got that all the time with her father and his family. It was nothing new but coming from Micheal it hurt.

---

Royce rolled over as his phone went off. He wasn't able to sleep and apparently neither was Bailey. He picked up his phone debating on texting her back but knew anything he said right now would make things worse so he rolled over and buried his head under a pillow. He hadn't slept out of his own bed in years and it was a more difficult transition than he had expected. Eventually he passed out and slept in till nearly the afternoon. When he got up he felt like shit. He hadn't drunk that much in a while. He looked at his phone again and didn't know what to say back to Bailey. It wasn't a question. It wasn't even a let's work this out. It was a I'm pissed but I know its not your fault but I can't stop being angry with feuled his desire to run from her.

@ Jinx...
Micheal rubbed the back of his neck nervously. He loved Kaylynn and spending time with her. But right now he felt awkward snd uncomfortable. It was like she was a stranger to him and he didn’t understand it. He felt like this was a dig into his masculinity and didn’t understand it. Micheal frowned as he looked down and saw how upset Kaylynn was. “Please don’t be upset.” He whispered quietly, looking down at his feet. Fuck, he thought, he was ruining everything. “Okay.” He said snd moved away. Micheal went over to the weights and began to do different lifts. He added weight freely to his bench and his lifts, wanting to show off just how strong he was the everyone around them.

-

Bailey didn’t sleep well that night. She kept waking up from her nerves and just overall slept maybe a couple hours. She went straight to work in the morning wanting to keep her mind off of everything. They still had more work to do to clean up and fix the barn so they could keep the cows in. At lunch time Bailey decided to send Royce a text. She knew it wasn’t fair to stay mad at him. But she couldn’t describe the feeling in the pit of her stomach. It was simultaneously telling her to run to him and run away from him. Hey, I miss you. Thank you for coming over yesterday She didn’t even know if he cared about what she thought right now. Or if he was sober. Bailey decided to forget about it as her and her father went back to work

@ BadStreetBoys
Kaylynn flashed a smile as he said not to be upset and shook her head. "It's fine." she said quickly in that way that women did when they wanted to pretend like it was fine but they where still upset. She watched him go and didn't know how she could fix this. He was really hurting still and she didn't know how to help him. She looked around and decided she needed to be careful with how she worked out. She knew eyes liked to wondered and she was pretty sure Micheal would follow through on his threat to beat someone's ass. She grabbed a medicine ball and sat down. She lifted her legs slightly off the ground and twisted the ball from side to side twisting her body keeping herself balanced as she did. It was a great core work out. She went through several reps before moving over to the cable pulley machine and set it to a low amount of weights. She looked over at Micheal. He was going to hurt himself. She wanted to tell him to stop and think about what would happen to his future if he hurt himself trying to prove something to someone that wasn't watching. She sighed and looked back at the machine and pulled on the cord. She did several reps of that before moving to the pull up bar. She got a lot of leg work out so it wouldn't hurt to do some arm strengthening today. Not that she didn't use her arms in dance just less usually. Once she was finished with that she grabbed her water and leaned against the wall looking out the window with a thoughtful look on her face.

---

Royce looked at his phone as he got a text and he rubbed his neck. It seemed like a step in the right direction but still it wasn't a let's talk. He was pretty upset. She knew now that he hadn't intentionally done anything wrong and that he would be there for her. He didn't get why she wanted him to be the bad guy. He texted her back. Anytime Bay. Miss you too. Royce was sitting in a cafe with a club sandwich and his study books. He was determined to pass this test and get the hell out of his house. The locksmith couldn't be scheduled until Monday so Royce was stuck at the hotel until after school Monday. He ran a hand through his hair. This wasn't what he was use to. He never stuck around or cared what women thought of him but with Bailey he was upset because it mattered. He wanted her to believe in him. He thought she did but he made one mistake and she jumped ship.

It was a few weeks later. It had taken a lot of talking and time alone together. There where several awkward moments and Kaylynn had picked her share of fights just as Micheal had tried to keep her out but eventually she broke through. She made him see she wasn't going anywhere that they wouldn't always be perfect but that no matter what she would be there if he ever needed her no matter how this ended for them.
It was a week before Thanksgiving when Micheal asked what she was going and said his dad was insisting to bring her over. Since her mother was working anyways Kaylynn agreed though she noticed how it made Micheal nervous though she didn't understand it at the time. They had never talked about his father. His mother a little but never his father so it felt weird and also like a big step that he was inviting her over to meet his father. Micheal had been super weird around her lately. Protective but also more jumpy than usual when she asked a question. It was like he was guarding some kind of a secrete.
Thanksgiving Kaylynn was getting ready in the bathroom knowings he had a few more minutes until Micheal arrived to pick her up. He sounded nervous on the phone when they talked earlier. Kaylynn looked in the mirror at herself. She put one more curl in her hair and bit her lip deciding against her favorite hoops for holidays but she put on the choker. She walked down to the kitchen putting the final touches on the pie. She knew Micheal said she didn't needed to bring anything but she wanted to make a good impression. Micheal had told her not to worry about that. He had seemed almost angry when he said it. She heard the knock on the door and put the top on the box. "Coming!" she called and grabbed her coat. It was suppose to snow later. She opened the door looking up at Micheal and smiled. "Hey handsome." she said and leaned up on her toes to kiss his lips. "I'm ready, let's go." she said seeing him hesitate. She handed him the pie and cupped his cheek. "It's going to be okay. I will be there right beside you, it's no different then the scouts you let me come with you to talk to." she said and kissed his cheek again. "Come on." she said with a smile.

---

Royce and Bailey had been on and off talking for a few weeks but last week Bailey seemed to perk up. The barn was all fixed and Royce had still come over at least once a week to help out on the farm even if he didn't say hi to Bailey. He knew it mattered that he was there because she would always text him the same day just to chat or check in. They had another date a few days ago and Royce was pretty sure it had gone well. They had talked a long time afterwards. He had told her up was wrong and she had told him some things though he was sure there was more. He was just glad she was talking again to him. Tonight he was going over to her place for Thanksgiving. He would be meeting all of her family. It freaked him out but he was also excited. He really wanted to fit in with Bailey and her family. He had never wanted to belong somewhere before Bailey. Royce had never thought he could be vulnerable before Bailey.

@ Jinx...
Micheal had a hard time adjusting after the events at the championship game and ensuing days. When basketball had started he was excited to have that outlet. It allowed him to let out his worries, frustrations, anxieties, and everything else in a much healthier way than going to the gym constantly. He was finally able to vocalize to Kaylynn about how he was affected by how he was taken advantage of. It was after a fight that he couldn’t even remember who started it or why. But he had explained how empty it made him feel. How he felt numb. He didn’t feel like a man. He was just constantly anxious now. Especially around Kaylynn. He wasn’t worried she would hurt him, he was worried he would lose her and she was his last connection to who he really was. He felt like he had lost himself. Through the weeks Kaylynn had helped him try to find himself again. It was working, slowly. He was becoming himself again. Outspoken and proud and the “guy” around school.

However, when his father began demanding to meet Kaylynn he seemed almost lost again. Kaylynn was his good thing, and he didn’t want his father ruining that good thing. He had hoped she wouldn’t want to meet him, but alas she did. On thanksgiving he and his father hadn’t spoken at all. He knew his father would be having his chef from work deliver food, the man would never put effort into anything besides tearing his son down. Micheal dressed as nice as he was instructed and headed over to Kaylynn’s. He was as tense as he had been the weeks before Kaylynn was helping him work on finding himself again. He hated it because it caused him to lash out more at her. Micheal waited outside patiently, forcing on a smile when Kaylynn opened the door. He returned a kiss to her cheek, and nodded. He knew it wouldn’t be that easy. “Thank you.” He murmured. Micheal took the pie and headed back to his car. He climbed into the car and handed it back to Kaylynn before he began to drive towards his house.

-

Bailey was glad things were going so well with Royce again. She had built her guard back up when things went south, so quickly. And she did feel bad about it. He wasn’t even in the wrong, but neither was she. It was a big misunderstanding and they had to work through it together. She knew if he was willing to do that, then he wasn’t playing her. That Royce meant what he said and this wasn’t another game for him. He had agreed to coming over for Thanksgiving and that was big, it was an important holiday to her and her family was important, she knew Royce was the real deal. It made her heart flutter thinking about it. She hadn’t told him quite yet that she felt this way or that she thought everything was okay. But she wanted to tell him today. She wanted him to know she was all in on him. Bailey was up early helping her mother begin everything. She sent Royce a text, asking him to come over earlier so they could talk before her family all got to the house.

@ BadStreetBoys
Kaylynn climbed into the car with him. She buckled up then took the pie. "What do you think of my hair like this?" she said trying to prompt him. She knew he was nervous but maybe if he stopped focusing on what they where doing and a little more on her he might feel so uptight. She wished she could take all of his worries away but she knew that wasn't how this worked. She looked over at him. He looked good but then she thought he always did. Kaylynn bit her lip wondering why he never spoke about his father. Even now he wasn't saying anything about him. She was starting to feel nervous. She knew she couldn't share that with Micheal right now. He would get angry and tell her not to be. She didn't understand his anger. Kaylynn wanted to ramble but was afraid if she said anything she would just piss Micheal off. She had gotten pretty good at figuring out how to push his buttons. She bit her lip. She loved him so much.

---

Royce had dressed as Bailey had suggested but instead of a button up flannel he wore a button up dress shirt and a tie. He pulled on his suit jacket over his vest looking in the mirror. Okay he looked a little more city then he had planned but the boots helped tone it down. He scratched his head. He was over thinking this way to damn much. But it mattered. He went out to his truck getting in driving to Bailey's. He got out and knocked. He had picked up the ice in his cooler for the drinks having out some drinks in there he knew he and Bailey would like. When Bailey opened the door he smiled looking her over. "Hey beautiful." he grinned stepping forward his hand moving to the small of her back and placing a kiss against her temple. "I'm here to work."

@ Jinx...
Micheal smiled slightly at Kaylynn. He could tell how much she cared for him. She just wanted him to relax, she didn’t understand why he couldn’t. And Micheal couldn’t fault her for that. This was his closely guarded secret. The one no one knew about, not his best friends, not his coaches, no one. “I love it babe.” He said softly as his eyes glanced over at her again. He reached out and put one hand on her thigh as he continued to drive. He was fairly quiet the rest of the ride until he pulled into the driveway. He pulled in besides his fathers brand new black Lexus sports car. Micheal’s house was a nicer house, average among the nice neighborhood they lived in. His fathers money was good for one thing only and that was keeping up appearances. His father would drop money on cars and sports for Micheal as long as it kept his appearance as a father good and showed he had money. The rest of the man’s money was spent on booze. Micheal got out of the car and offered Kaylynn his hand. “Come on.” He murmured.

Micheal moved towards the door, hesitating just a moment before he opened it. He inhaled and could tell the chefs had already dropped off the food. Micheal glanced around and saw his father emerging from the kitchen. (OOC forgot if I named his father so I’m going with something random). Jarrod walked over to the couple. A large car salesman-like smile on his lips, his eyes pointed like a snake’s. “Hello, Kaylynn, nice to finally meet you.” His voice was calm and smooth like velvet. Though he didn’t extend his hand. He kept his hands folded behind him as he looked form Kaylynn up to his son and raising an eyebrow. “Let’s move to the dining room.” The man said and turned walking away.

-

Bailey heard the knock and smiled brightly. She was in such a good mood after having thought over everything about her and Royce. She just needed to talk to him now and everything would be perfect. Bailey beamed up at Royce as she saw him. Her eyes looked up and down his body and she nodded approvingly. “You look good.” She purred and pressed a kiss to his cheek. Haley pressed herself to him for just a moment. Savoring it. She knew they wouldn’t get a whole lot of alone time today. She took Royce’s hand and walked into her kitchen. Her father sat at the table reading the paper as her mother worked in the kitchen. “Ma, daddy I wanna give Royce a few heads up about everything before everyone gets here. We’re gonna go into my room, okay?” She said. Beau looked up from his paper and raised an eyebrow. He gave Royce a stern look before nodded, pulling the paper back up. Bailey rolled her eyes at her father and led Royce into her bedroom. She sat on the bed and waited for him to sit. When they were sitting she took both of his hands and looked up at him. “I’ve been doing a lot of thinking lately and I wanted to apologize. I was freaked out by everything going on, and I took it out in you unfairly. I thought it was just some stupid game to you, some long con and I got scared and I built up the walls around me again. But I know that now you’re all in on me, just like I’m all in on you. And I want you to know.” She paused and leaned up, pressing a long deep kiss to his lips. She lingered a title longer than she should have. “I’m really into you Royce, I like you a lot, and I’m sorry I was so guarded.”

@ BadStreetBoys
Kaylynn smiled as they pulled up to the house. It was on the right side of the tracks already putting her on edge. She knew he was better off but she hadn't known how much. She swallowed and then looked up at Micheal and nodded. She took his hand and got out with him. She pulled her hair over her shoulder nervously. She was greatful for the extra moment to collect herself. As they walked in.
Micheal's father walked in and Kaylynn looked him over trying to get a read on him. She was instantly confused when her instincts told her to not find herself alone with him. She smiled her stage smile falling easily into place and looking natural but she was sure Micheal would notice. If he looked at her that was. "It's really nice to meet you as well Mr. McKinney. Thank you for having me over." She said. "I baked a pie. I hope you like it." She stepped forward to hand it to him but noticed his closed posture. She couldn't have offended him already right and he had wanted her to be here so why did his body language not match that? "Do you need help in the kitchen? It smells amazing and I can set the pie on the counter for later."

---

Royce beamed with pride as she told him he looked good. "Thanks gorgeous. You look stunning too." He said and walked in with her. He rubbed his neck bashful as Beau gave him the hard stare. "Happy Thanksgiving Mr. and Mrs. Foster." He said and let Bailey drag him up stairs. He smiled as he walked into her room. He followed her sitting with her and looked down as she grabbed his hands. She told him she had been thinking and he smiled. "Uhoh there you go thinking again." He teased and listened as she kept talking. He smiled more and more glad she was finally coming around. She told him that she was all in and he grinned. Royce kissed her back enjoying the intimacy. "Good cause I'm kinda crazy about you ya know." He caressed her cheek. "You won't be all upset with me next time some crazy person wrecks something?" He asked. He really never wanted to go through that again. He really cared for her. He wasn't sure he could call it love. He didn't know what that was but he knew she was the only special one in his life.

@ Jinx...
Jarrod watched Kaylynn carefully. The man was always careful with his words and actions, everything was deliberate, never an accident. He glanced down at the pie and smiled . “How sweet of you, dear.” He said and moved into the kitchen with both of them. “Place it on the counter.” He said and turned. Jarrod stopped in front of the head of the table and watched Micheal and Kaylynn. “Oh no dear, everything is ready whenever we would like to eat.” He motioned to the crock pots and everything keeping the food warm. The turkey was kept in the oven. “All I have to do is carve the turkey, whenever you two are hungry I can start that.” Jarrod told her. Micheal was shooting daggers at her father whenever Kaylynn’s focus wasn’t in his direction, but when she looked his way he softened immediately. He just wanted to protect her from this vile man. “Let’s sit and chat.” His father said. Micheal moved to the table and pulled a chair out for Kaylynn before he sat down next to her. Jarrod sat at the head of the table and looked between them. “So Kaylynn, tell me about yourself?” He asked. “Micheal doesn’t seem to talk too much.”

-

Bailey rolled her eyes and giggled at his teasing. Royce always seemed to know how to get her to relax. She loved it. After their kiss Bailey leaned in and rested her head on his chest, holding onto Royce. “I didn’t know what was going on, and I know you didn’t either, it freaked me out. And my instinct was to block you out and protect myself.” She mumbled against his chest. “You may have gotten me to be a little bit of a softie, but I do still have these walls.” She said and glanced up at him, pressing a kiss to the underside of his jaw. “I’m just glad me building these walls didn’t cause you to run away.” She murmured. Bailey sat back up and grinned at Royce. “Now onto the real business.” Sue teased and tapped her finger to his nose. “My family is very loud and robust. They’re gonna ask you probably a hundred questions. They all mean well. My Uncle Matt and grandpa will probably act like my dad in terms of trying to scare you into being a good boyfriend. But my aunts and grandmother will be so happy I have a boyfriend they won’t care. We also have a couple young cousins that if you wanna get away with the adults we can go entertain them.”

@ BadStreetBoys
Kaylynn looked around entirely confused by the crackpots. Who did Thanksgiving in crackpots? She wrung her hands together wishing she was holding Micheal's but that seemed like it was to vulnerable in front of Jarrod. They sat down and she looked at Micheal relaxing a little with him close. She grinned. "Really?" She was curious why he hadn't told his father about her either. It was like he wanted to separate both sides of his life. Kaylynn looked back at Jarrod. "Well I'm a dancer. Thats what I'm going to college for. Full scholarship." She said lighting up as she always did when she talked about dancing. "I have been volunteering with a youth group that pairs dancers with aspiring dancers. Keeps me busy while Micheal is at practice or whatever. I guess I'm pretty focused. You kinda have to be in dance and competitive." She looked over at him. "Umm I never know what to say when put on the spot." She took Micheal's hand under the table squeezing it gently. "What do you do for work Mr. McKinney?" She asked him as she looked back at him. It was so weird the quiet of the house like it was unnatural. It felt like even the house didn't dare to breath around them and the air was wrong. She didn't know how Micheal called this home. She was hoping to get to see Micheal's room and spend some time relaxing him. He was so tense she felt he would snap with a strong breeze.

---

Royce frowned. He would have run but Beau had grounded him. When Royce was really upset he would come work on the farm while Bailey was out and they would talk. Not always about problems but sometimes and Royce valued his opinion. "It wasn't easy and there was times I thought I might but I'm still here." He told her honestly.
Royce grinned as she changed the subject talking about her family. He chuckled and nodded. "Okay I'll keep that in mind." He said. He wondered what they would ask and he really hoped Beau's lack of total hatred for him would say a lot to the rest of the men in her family. Royce rubbed her hand with his thumb. Her skin was soft and he was glad to get some time with her. "Should we head back and help out now?" He asked remembering Beau's dager of a look.

@ Jinx...
Micheal’s eyes moved between Kaylynn and his father as she spoke. He wanted to keep an eye on his das. He didn’t want his father saying or doing anything that would hurt her. The man could do whatever he pleased to himself, but Micheal wouldn’t let him hurt Kaylynn. He smiled as she bragged abour her accomplishments, he was so damn proud. Micheal squeezed her hand back, he relaxed slightly, still tense but lesso. Jarrod nodded as he listened, he didn’t truly care. He just wanted information on her. The man knew his son was a player, all the girls he brought around never stayed, and were just hook ups. The fact that Micheal hadn’t brought her home to have sex and that she was still around was surprising to Jarrod and he wanted to know why. Jarrod grinned slightly. “I work in finance(OOC I think this is what I had originally written).” He said and folded his hands on the table. “Boring stuff really, just dealing with money and business all day. But hey it pays for this house, Micheal’s sports, everything.” He said. “But Micheal knows scholarships are what are getting him to college.” The man said, making a subtle stab at his son. “You know Micheal.” He said with an almost devious grin. Micheal frowned as he looked up. “What?” He said coldly. “She’s a lot like your mother.”

-

Bailey nodded, she understood completely. She wanted to run too. Everything felt like it would be easier if she had just run and never looked back. But she knew that it wasn’t good to run from your problems. She relaxed against Royce’s touch, allowing herself to enjoy the moment. She lingered another moment after he asked before she nodded. “Yea I think we should. They’re gonna get here soon. I just wanted to enjoy some time with you.” She said and leaned up giving him a gentle kiss. “Okay let’s go.” Bailey stood up and took Royce’s hand as she led him downstairs and back to the kitchen. Bailey dragged Royce to the kitchen to help her mother. Bailey’s mother smiled at the two. “Did you give him the sparknotes on dealing with a Foster family holiday?” She asked and chuckled softly. Bailey nodded. “Sure did and now he’s here to work.”

@ BadStreetBoys
Kaylynn listened as he spoke about his job but was confused as he hardly said anything before continuing after a pause. She swallowed. She didn't like the way he focused on what his money bought and how Micheal couldn't depend on it. She squeezed his hand reassuringly.

Kaylynn was looking at Micheal as his father said the last words she expected to hear. She looked at Micheal's father her eyes popping open wide. She took a breath in the sting of the meaning of that statement hitting her like a slow burn. She shoved up from the table. "Okay well Micheal why don't you show me your room?" She looked down at him he hand still in his though it was obvious now. She wasn't letting go of his hand. She knew families where rough but Micheals dad was not the kinda person she wanted to spend a bunch of time with. "What do you say we eat in like thirty minutes." She said and gently tugged on Micheal's arm. She looked at him hoping he would lead her away.

---

Royce's smile was stuck on his face as they came back down. He was happy to have had that time with her as well. He was sure the night would be trying in a different way than he was use to. "Yes please." He said finding he did better doing something than when he had to much time alone. Ms. Foster handed him something to do and he settled in to the work, focusing. He let himself relax into it. He smiled at the easy family banter. He wasn't sure a big family was what he wanted but maybe it would be nice. He grinned as he watched Bailey move around doing her own tasks.

@ Jinx...
Micheal’s body tensed again when he heard his father’s words. He knew damn well this was a whole set up for his father to thrive off some sort of power trip. He wanted to make Micheal feel small and he wanted to not only bring a painful memory up, but also tell him that he wouldn’t be able to keep someone. Micheal seemingly ignored Kaylynn as he turned his head to look at his father.

Jarrod raised an eyebrow at his son, also ignoring Kaylynn. The two men staring at one another the tension building and palpable. Micheal stood up and shrugged Kaylynn’s hand off his arm, not breaking eye contact with his father. “Dad.” He hissed. “We need to talk.” Jarrod laughed and nodded. “Fine, Kaylynn dear excuse us a moment.” Jarrod stood as well and moved into the living room as Micheal followed behind him. The two men seemed to yell at each other in hushed voices, the frustration and anger was clear from the tone. Micheal got increasingly hurt and angry, finally yelling. “You are a piece of shit! You’re the worthless one not me!” Followed by the sound of a fist connecting with skin. Jarrod had hit Micheal and Micheal shoved his father away. “Fuck off.” He snarled and ducked as his father took another swing at him. “Go get a fucking drink dad, seems like you need it.” Micheal moved into the kitchen and went to Kaylynn, he grabbed her wrist, making sure not to grab her aggressively before he said. “We need to go.” Micheal’s eye was blackening quick as he grabbed his and Kaylynn’s jacket before leading her out of the house quickly.

-

Bailey and her mother continued to work on the food, mostly finishing the preparation for the snacks and appreciates, as the main meal was being cooked. Twenty minutes passed and the first knock in the door was hear. Bailey grinned and grabbed Royce’s hand. She looked up at him and kissed his cheek. “I hope you’re ready Mr. Roman.” She teased and looked to the door as her father answered it. Beau hugged the first woman who entered. Bailey moved behind her father, hugging the woman as well. She was followed by a man and two younger kids. Bailey stepped back after her family greeted the other family. “Aunt Pattie, Uncle Donnie, this is my boyfriend Royce.” She said and reached over to Royce pulling him over gently. “Royce this is my Aunt Pattie and Uncle Donnie, and my cousins Bobby and Tim.” She said and motioned to the two boys. Pattie reached her hand out and shook Royce my hand, gushing over how handsome he was. Her Unlce also shook Royce’s hand and looked at him with a raised eyebrow before looking to Beau who just nodded.

@ BadStreetBoys
Kaylynn frowned as the men sat there staring each other down. She had never felt more terrified of the next moment then right now. If they hopped over the table and started to beat on each other she wouldn't be surprised. When Micheal stood shaking her off she stepped back holding her hands and pressing them to her chest. As Jarrod spoke to her, her skin crawled. Kaylynn stood in that perfect room with no family pictures or any signs of a home to be seen. She listened to the intense whispering turn into hushed yelling and growing in volume until Micheal's yelling voice made her move towards him. She stepped out into the room just in time to see Micheal's father land a hit. She gasped as he went to swing again. She was startled as Micheal grabbed her. He was being careful but it surprised her none the less. She just gave a nod. She had to protect Micheal from this monster. How had she not known? She had thought he just got in fights with other boys or something more normal like he liked underground boxing or something. Kaylynn had not thought his father would be hitting him. All this time she hadn't known. She felt the worst. She looked up as they where in the car and she wondered if he knew where he was going either. "Let's go to my place." she said. Kaylynn looked at his eye knowing it had to hurt. She bit her lip and placed her hands in her lap looking back down. She looked at her useless hands gripping onto the fabric on her legs as she struggled not to cry. This wasn't her situation to cry over. She didn't need to be comforted.

---

Royce grinned as Bailey teased him. "Bring it on." he teased. The family came in and he smiled as he watched them all embrace with affection. It was beautiful to watch. When he was introduced he stood up straighter. He shook hands with Bailey's aunt. "Hello." he said and blushed as she spoke about his looks. He rubbed the back of his neck. When he turned and shook Bailey's uncle he noticed the exchange between the two men. "Nice to meet you Sir." he said politely. The house that already seemed so full of life exploded with it now as the two boys started to argue and rough house. He was distracted by the boys as they laughed. "Out side with your rough housing boys!" Tiffany said with a smile at her nephews. Royce smiled and moved back to Bailey's side. He didn't know what else to do. He didn't know how to be a part of a family like this and without something to do with his hands he felt that he didn't need to be there. The only thing left was to be beside Bailey.

@ Jinx...
Micheal was wound up tight. He sat in the car, his hands gripping the steering wheel so tight his knuckles were ghostly white. His breathing was heavy as his chest rose and fell hard, the black and blue around his eye beginning to form. It seemed like an eternity before his breathing was normal and Micheal felt like he could safely drive. Micheal looked over at Kaylynn and nodded. “Okay babe.” His eyes softened immensely as he looked at her. Micheal reached over and grabbed her chin gently, he leaned over snd kissed Kaylynn’s cheek. “It’s gonna be okay, Kay.” He whispered. He wanted to comfort Kaylynn and protect her from the world. Micheal began to drive to Kaylynn’s house. He knew he would be hearing from his father later, hopefully after the man had some alcohol in. Micheal pulled into the driveway and got out of the car, he waited for Kaylynn and wrapped his arm around her shoulders as he walked up to the door.

-

Bailey smiled proudly as Royce and her family interacted. She took his hand and squeezed it reassuringly. Her uncle and father sat at the table and began to talk, as her aunt and mother gossiped in the kitchen and continued to cook. Bailey looked out the window and smiled as she saw another car pull up. “Grammy and Grampy are here.” She said. “I think Aunt Rami is with them too.” Bailey got the door as she heard more people heading in. She hugged both her grandparents tight, excitedly kissing both of them on the cheek. “Gram! Gramps!” She said and stepped back as the others greeted the family elders. Bailey moved to her aunt and hugged her as well. After everyone had said their hellos. “Grammy, Grampy, this is my boyfriend Royce.” She said and gently tugged him over. Her grandfather looked at him and held out his hand. “Hello young man, I’m Beau Sr.”

@ BadStreetBoys
Kaylynn looked up at Micheal as he grabbed her chin. She relaxed softly seeing his adoration for her in his eyes. She sighed and rested her head against his as he kissed her cheek. She was so in love with him. She wasn't going to let him stay in this situation. She believed what he said was true. She relaxed back in her seat as he drove seeming to calm himself more and more as they drove. All this time he had been dealing with this on top of everything else. She wanted to talk about it to understand and finally be let in on everything about him. She knew his greatest secrete. They pulled up to her house. The shabby house with it's paint fading and the distressed wood. The stairway that was cracked and filled with grout because of the foundation shifting. Suddenly the shamble of a house maintained best they could among trashy neighbors felt like a sanctuary, a home. Kaylynn got out and moved over to Micheal. She slipped under his arm like it was the most normal thing, like gravity decided they needed to fit together like this. She walked up to the house and let them in. She closed the door behind them.

Kaylynn took Micheal's hand and lead him to the couch. "Sit down." she said gently pressing on his shoulders until he sat. She looked down at him and smiled softly even if her eyes where sad. She ran her hand through his hair. "Stay here." she kissed his forehead and went to the kitchen. She rustled around in there coming back out with a glass and a frozen bag of peas. She handed him the water and held out her hand for him to take the pain pills from her hand. Once he had taken them she moved onto the couch next to him. She sat facing him. Her legs touched his as she leaned forward and gingerly pressed the icepack to his face. She didn't say anything. Wasn't sure how to. She wanted to tell him he didn't have to go back, that she understood more about him now and that it was all going to be okay but it all seemed wrong in the moment. Now seemed like the moment to listen even if that was just in silence.

---

Royce smiled seeing Bailey so excited as more of her family showed up. He followed her with the other family to the door. He stood off tot he side a little beside Bailey. As he watched them all greet each other he wasn't sure he could keep straight who was on who's side of the family. Royce felt Bailey tug on him and he stepped forward. He gave a nod at the introduction. Royce looked at Bailey's grandfather and then at Beau before shaking his hand. "Nice to me you Sir." Royce said. He hadn't thought Bailey's father was a Jr. but it was interesting. He could feel the analyzing way in which Beau Sr. shook his hand. Royce kept his shake firm but not overpowering. When they finally pulled away he turned and greeted Bailey's Grams. "Ma'am." Royce then stepped back and returned to Bailey's side. He was totally out of his comfort zone. He had never meet a girls parents or family like this, not in a serious way where their opinions mattered.

@ Jinx...
Micheal followed Kaylynn in the house. He enjoyed how quiet her house was, it was peaceful. Sure there were creaks and groans from the old house, but it was noise to him. It was different. Micheal knew not to argue with Kaylynn, not that he wanted to. He sat down and his eyes moved to meet Kaylynn’s. He had calmed down completely and his eyes were gentle as he looked to her. Micheal’s cheeks flushed slightly as she kissed his forehead, he nodded. He didn’t know what to say or if he should say anything. Micheal knew Kaylynn would want answers, but Micheal wasn’t even sure where to start. Micheal took the pills quickly and sipped down the water, setting the glass on the table besides them. Micheal put his hand on her leg as his face turned to hers and he felt the coolness of the frozen peas on his face. He wanted to laugh at it but it worked. Micheal smiled, his eyes looked down for a moment. He didn’t like the silence currently between them but he also didn’t want to be the one to break it because then he had to talk about the issue at hand. Micheal had spent his entire hiding this from everyone and now someone knew. It felt like Pandora’s box.

-

Bailey smiled as her family greeted Royce. She rolled her eyes slightly at her grandfather. They were always so protective. She knew they could tell he wasn’t a real country boy and that would be a point of distrust, but she wanted them to like Royce just as much as she did. Beau Sr’s eyes looked over Royce before turning back to Bailey. “Where’d you find this one sweetheart?” He asked. Bailey laughed softly and put her hand on Royce’s bicep. “We go to school together, he’s a year younger than me but is already taking college classes.” She said and smiled. Bailey’s father moved besides them and looked between the three. “Royce why don’t you come join the men for a minutes while Tiffany snd bailey finish dinner?” He said. Bailey looked up at Royce and raised an eyebrow. She knew it probably didn’t feel like a question but she also hoped he didn’t feel pressured to do anything.

@ BadStreetBoys
Kaylynn didn't like how he looked down. She ran her free hand through his hair. He wasn't speaking and the way he shifted told her he was uncomfortable. She only knew one way to fix it, to rip off the bandaid. "You don't have to go back." She whispered. "You can stay here." she looked his face over as her hand took his lacing their fingers together. "I should have known." she said the pain in her voice. "I'm sorry." her voice came out choked. Kaylynn wanted to protect him form that happening again. How long had he suffered with it? She had always thought he was holding something back on her and now she knew what it was. She understood him so much more and yet not at all. She wanted to take the pain of it all away as easily as a couple pain pills and a bag of peas.

---

Royce looked at Beau then back at Bailey and smiled as she looked up at him the concern in her eyes. She wanted them to like him and that was enough for him. "Yeah sound good." he said and pressed his forehead against hers a moment before turning and following the men into the other room. All the men in the room turned to him looking at him. He could feel the analyzing. He could feel the weighing of his city boy persona to the slight approval from Beau Jr and from Bailey herself. He took a moment and a breath before joining them and sitting with them. "So Mr. Foster, your son was telling me the farm has been in the family for generations. That's a pretty impressive legacy. I am going to be studying business. Is there any advice you have for me?" He asked taking a risk. He knew the farm was important so he was hoping to break the ice of silence.

@ Jinx...
Micheal’s eyes didn’t move to meet Kaylynn’s even as she spoke. He hated this. He hated the situation. He much more preferred it when his dirty little secret was still a secret. Though he was confused by her words, just shaking his head. “I can’t do that, Kay.” He said almost matter of factly. Micheal squeezed her hand slightly in response. He finally looked up at her, raising a questioning eyebrow. Micheal didn’t get why she was sorry. He just shook his head. “You didn’t do anything.” He told her and lifted Kaylynn’s hand, kissing her knuckles. Micheal sighed and looked away again. “I’m fine, I’ve been fine for the last 18 years. It’s okay, babe.” He told her and shifted his body slightly. He didn’t want to keep discussing this, it was just how things were. Neither of them could change it.

-

Bailey smiled as Royce agreed. She knew her family would like him, they had to. Bailey moved to the kitchen and began to help her mother and aunt finish preparing the food, as well as beginning to set the table.

The men all watched as Royce join them, Beau Jr sitting besides Royce. He knew the young man would certainly feel the weight of the world right now. But the man also knew that in order to get the very traditional country men to like Royce, he had to impress. Beau Sr looked over as Royce broke the ice rather than one of the other men. Sr nodded and rubbed his chin for a moment. “Yes my great-grandfather started the farm as a small plot of land way back when. And it’s always gone to the oldest son, until it goes to Bailey as she’s the only child Jr has.” The man said. His voice was husky and deep. The older man had calloused hands and cracks in his face from the years of hard labor and work. “I’m not sure how great my advise is for the business world.” The man said. “Just hard work, blood, sweat, and tears built this farm.”