When the Past Returns

Rescue me?

I was taken home with David and I was lectured on how I was supposed to be a good wife. I only half listened, thinking only of how the night was going great.

I was forced to have sex with him to try for a baby. Probably another fail. Then he fell asleep. I got out of bed, put on some clothes, and walk outside. The breeze left goosebumps on my skin. I already miss the guys and knowing that they'll be in the studio for their new album, I wouldn't be seeing much of them. Today was probably their last free day for a while. I play with the wedding band that supposably meant I had the man of my dreams. I most definitely did not. David isn't at all what I dreamed about.

I hear some rattling in the bushes and think only of the raccoon family that lived near the house. "Abby? I thought you'd be inside." Vince states, straightening up from his bent posture. "Vince!" I exclaim and hug him. "I was in bed. I couldn't sleep." I say, keeping my hands latched together behind his neck. He nods in understanding and pulls me close to him. "The guys and me wanted to know if you'd do background vocals on this album too." He says.

I did some background vocals on their Girls, Girls, Girls album and I told them I was willing to do it again. "Of course I will, Vince. You know how much I enjoy it. When will I be able to?" I ask. We were still clinging to each other as if we'd lose each other. "You can drop by tomorrow just to see how things are. If you want, you could bring lunch." He hinted. I laugh and nod. "Sure, I'll bring some lunch tomorrow." I say and pull away from him. "Good. So, you get off of work at-" "I don't work tomorrow. I'll be there for to bring breakfast." I say, looking towards the house. "Okay. We'll see you then. And Abby," he begins to walk away but turns, "be careful." He finishes, walking towards the street. "I will, Vince. Goodnight." I say, going back into the dark house.

"I knew you were with them." David says, scaring me. "Jesus Christ. What the hell, David? Don't scare me." I say, turning on the living room light. "Stop being a lying whore, Abigail. Your father told me to look after you and so far your lying makes me look bad." He says, walking towards me. He wraps his fingers around my neck and squeezes. "Now, you will be a good girl, right?" He asks, more demanding than asking. When I don't answer, he tightens his grip on me. I could feel my lungs burn as they cry out for air.

Something in him snaps and he leaves me alone for the rest of the week.

••ONE WEEK LATER••

"I brought food." I say, dully, and set the food on the table. "Thanks, Abby. When we're done, we ca- Oh my god." Mick says, walking into the room with everybody following him. "You're welcome. Guys, just eat. I'll be in the back." I say, walking outside. I slid against the wall down to the ground and cry. The way the guys looked at me showed how messed up I look. The makeup I wore didn't make a difference with the bruises on my face.

"Abby?" Somebody says. I look up and see Nikki poking his head out of the door. "Hey, Nik." I say. "Can we talk?" He asks, sliding down next to me. I shrug and he pulls me against him. "It's okay. Whatever is going on, we'll get you out of there soon. We could do it now if you want. We should." He says. "He'll come after me, Nikki. Nobody is understanding that part. He will have you guys killed and me, I'll be tortured till he finally had that kid he wants so badly." I say, crying into his shirt. "I'll handle it. Stop crying. We don't like seeing you like this." He says the kisses my head. "I think I'm pregnant." I whisper. "Just give him the baby. Then you can go on with your life." He says. "And abandon my baby?" I ask. "Yeah. I know it'll suck but you could get away." He says.

••FOUR WEEKS LATER••

The pregnancy thing was just a scare. I wasn't really pregnant and I was sorta happy. I didn't have to have the kid of some guy's. I told Nikki, the only one knowing about it, and he was happy. I did the vocals with another girl and they finished up the album, preparing for the new tour. Dr. Feelgood is said to be the best album yet. We'll just have to see.

••ONE YEAR LATER••

It's 1990 and here I was at a bar with my closest friends. Vince, Nikki, Mick, and Tommy all say around me, laughing and drinking. Nikki got married to Brandi Brandt in 1989 and she's pregnant with their first. Tommy and Heather Locklear were still together. So was Vince and Sharise. Mick was getting married to Emi soon. I was still "happily" married to David. Still no kid.

"I'm divorcing David." I say. I had been quiet all hour until then. They stopped laughing and looked at me. "You are?" Mick asks. They had small smiles on their faces. I nod and take a big gulp of my beer. They congratulate me and start ordering shots. I want to be as happy as they are. In happy marriages and getting to do what they love. I get up and go to the bathroom, wishing I could disappear. "Abby, what's wrong?" Somebody asks. I look at the door and Nikki pops his head in. He sees me, comes in, and holds me.

"I want to be as happy as you and Brandi. And Vince and Sharise. And Mick and Emi. And Tommy and Heather." I say, crying. "You will be when your divorce is final. Don't worry." He says. "But I want it now." I whisper. We stand in silence while girls walk in and out. "You aren't allowed in the girls' room, you know?" A girl with an attitude says. "Look, bitch. He's helping me. So, fuck you." I growl. "Calm down." Nikki whispers in my ear. I nod, give the girl an eat shit look, and take Nikki with me back to our table.