Drive Me Wild

Chapter 11 - Abigail

The events from today swirled around in my mind. Endless scenarios came at me with how I could have prevented Ryder from getting hurt. It should have been me.

I had also upset Duke. As Ryder threw me out of the way and ended up in the path of the oncoming car, a mask of cold steel came over Duke's face. Ever since, he had been distant.

If I hadn't been so selfish and tried to run away, none of this would have happened and everyone would be okay. Apart from her but it would be okay because I deserved it. I did steal from Duke after all. I would be one less problem to him.

Mason had still left me. He wasn't coming back this time, I could feel it. The debt he had managed to find his way into was way worse than he made it out to be. I was upset and felt betrayed by him, but nothing could be done about it now. Somehow, I would have to move on from it, bigger problems were at steak right now.

As I stared out the window where Duke had left no more than thirty minutes ago, my mind started wondering. Was everyone okay? Is Ryder going to recover?

The dull throbbing in my foot was a constant reminder of what I had said and caused. Although falling out the truck was only a problem for me, it didn't matter to anyone else. Duke had been nice enough to give me an icepack, but I didn't want it. As it lay there, a pool of water started forming around it, soaking the bedsheets. I slowly get down from the windowsill, being careful not to apply any extra pressure on my swollen ankle and removed the ice pack from the bed, discarding it on the floor.

While being trapped in this version of prison, there was no telling of the time. Not a single clock was in the bedroom or bathroom. I assumed that my phone had been taken, it was definitely on me when I was at the club. What happened with it? Had Duke gone through it? Not that anything interesting could be found. Just some old photos and a couple contacts. I didn't have any family or friends apart from Mason and one person from the diner I worked at. It was easier that way, nobody relied on me and I didn't rely on anyone.

Sitting in this dull room with nothing to do but reflect was eventually getting boring. I didn't want to think about all of my life choices and where they got me. Or about Duke and his overly mixed emotions.

I refused to go back to sleep, although the events from today made me exhausted. I needed to stay awake to find out if Ryder was okay. If anything, I felt more mentally tired than physically, so staying up wouldn't be a problem.

After a while, I started admiring the world from outside my window. There were children running on the road who should probably be home in bed, but they were playing with not a single care in the world. Birds were chirping and flying in the sky, their wings meant freedom. Free to do whatever they want, and nothing could hold them down. I was envious of them.

Freedom felt long gone to me and it was all Mason's fault. It was stupid how easily manipulated I was; it was shameful. From now on I needed to learn to stand up for myself and hide any emotions.

Darkness was slowly starting to creep in, hours must have passed since Duke left. The dull throb in my foot still hadn't subsided and I was struggling to stay awake. Sleep wasn't welcome until I knew Ryder was okay. This was my fault after all.

It wasn't long until I was loosing the battle at staying awake. Sleep overcame me and I awkwardly lay there in the window.

Duke:

It had gone past four in the morning by the time I made it back home. I would have stayed with Ryder all night, but sleep was very much needed, and the hospital chair wasn't very comfortable.

Quickly and quietly pulling my motorbike in the garage, I start to make my way into the house. As the front door opens, I'm greeted with silence. Maybe my little waitress did go to sleep after all.

Slowly clicking the lock of the door open, I open the door to see Abbie still seated in the window fast asleep. She didn't look comfortable at all and her expression was slightly pained. As I approach, I nearly slip on something wet on the floor. Abbie stirs slightly but doesn't wake, she must be completely out of it. Gazing down at the floor reveals the ice pack that was supposed to be on her foot. A big pool of water surrounded it. It very obviously wasn't used.

Carefully picking her up, I walk over to the bed where I place her down and places the covers over. She still doesn't stir. I knew that if I didn't clean the ice pack spill up now then she would definitely trip and hurt herself further. I pick it up and squish it into the back pocket of my jeans, not really caring if it will soak through. It didn't take long before everything was cleaned up and the tissues were disposed of.

As I go to leave the room but hesitate at the door. Sparing a glance back at Abbie. She looked peaceful now, like the weight of the world was off her shoulders. Her injured foot poked out from under the sheets, it looked worse than before. Once again, it would have to be a problem for tomorrow. Quietly slipping out the room, I make my way to finally sleep even if it wasn't going to be for very long.

The time read exactly nine in the morning, I had slept in. Never in six years had I allowed myself such a luxury, I was always up before seven ready to start the day. Rushing to get ready, I already had so much to do. The accident from yesterday had caused me to push everything into the back of my mind. That was not an option to happen again.

In my panic to get ready, the person standing in front of me caught my attention. I stilled for a moment, taking them in. They look tired and stressed, the weight of the world was on their shoulders. It was me; I was tired and stressed. The weight of the world was on my shoulders. I couldn't remember the last time I had taken a day off for myself. Work was more important; it was my life. Although I hadn't taken a break since I took over the motorcycle gang at age twenty.

Once again, I hesitate outside of Abbie's door.

Abbie's door?

No that was wrong, she just slept there until I knew what to do with her.

Slipping the key into the lock, I quietly made my way inside just to check on her.

She lay there peacefully asleep; she wasn't going to wake anytime soon. I made another mental note to bring some food up before I left, she most likely hadn't eaten for a while.

The kitchen was fully stocked with everything needed to make breakfast. The only problem was that I didn't know how to cook. The last meal that had been prepared for Abbie was just random bits of food and a sandwich on a plate.

Thirty minutes had passed and finally I had made a plate of food consisting of burnt toast, soggy waffles, and some cooked eggs. I knew how to cook eggs really well; it was a great source of protein but whether Abbie liked them was a different matter.

Gently placing the plate on the bedside table, I slipped back out and locked the door. Duties and responsibilities had to be filled today and it wouldn't get done if I was waiting on Abbie every five minutes.

First stop was the hospital to check on Ryder, then back to the club to deal with business.