Dirty Back Road Sequel, Part 12

I must've done twelve different versions of this chapter - more angst, less angst, more issues, less issues, but this the version that finally seemed to work. I think. [EDITED to add: I changed my mind, and rewrote this entire chapter. Bypass this one, find the new version in my memories with all the other previous chapters here]. ( Does It Have to Mean Something? Chapter 12 )