~Stevie~
"I really can't believe you're agreeing to this." Joplin half mumbles, eyes glued on the road in front of us as we head back towards the nursing home.
Letting out a deep sigh, I sink further into the passenger seat, jolting lightly when Marissa kicks my seat.
"Grandma, he took my bear." She whines, kicking her legs a little faster right against the seat.
I got them again last night, after their nana called me frantic. She only raised one child, and I'm not saying raising more than one makes me more of a mother, but I do think it gives me a little more leverage. Their nana isn't as used to arguing, hitting and screaming like I am...I mean, I had two teenage daughters living under my roof at one time and if I lived through that, I think I can just about live through anything.
Raising an eyebrow, I turn back to stare at my grandson, whose eyes have grown incredibly wide. "Alexander..." I get that voice- the stereo typical mean mom voice, which has always worked very well for me.
"I'm sorry," he whispers, handing back his sisters teddy bear.
Nodding my head, I give them both a small smile before facing forward yet again. "I can't leave your father there." I can't, even though I know it's good for him... I can't force him to stay there if he wants to be home.
It's not fair, it really isn't. He's only sixty and in my opinion, he's really missing out on a lot... A lot I thought we'd be able to share. Sometimes he can't remember our grandchildren, or even our girls, and he can't go with me to dinner, dance recitals, soccer games and school plays.
It'll be hard, but if he wants to be with us, see the kids, be part of it all- I want him there too. He deserves to be just as involved as I am.
"He'd leave you there." Her jaw settles as she lets off a small shrug.
And within seconds, my heart starts pounding. "No he wouldn't." I try to say it with as much confidence as possible... I want to believe my own words.
"I love you, mom." She reaches across the center counsel, taking my hand in hers.
My other hand settles on top, thumb running across her knuckles. "I love you, sweet girl." I assure, another deep breath escaping me.
The rest of our ride goes by in the blink of an eye, sadly. And before I know it we're all gathered in his room, getting him ready to head back home with us.
It feels different then the morning we brought him here- it feels lighter in a way. I was really scared to be alone a couple of months ago- I didn't think I would remember to lock the front door, or unplug my curling iron before I left home.
It might sound really crazy, but I couldn't recall what it was like to be solo more often than not. And now here we are, back where we started and I'm nervous for a million different reasons.
"I brought you some extra clothes," I lean over his bed, trying to grab the bag I set next to him on my way in.
He lets his fingertips meet the back of my thigh, making small circles. "You look beautiful, baby." His words cause me to fall back of my heels, taking a moment to stare at him.
I swear, sometimes it feels like he hates me- like I ruined his entire life with just my presence, but then there are moments, moments like this that make it seem like we're back on the same team.... We aren't fighting against each other, we're fighting with each other. And I've missed that.
"Thank you, honey." I let off a small smile, feeling as his hand moves up my leg until it finds itself on my hip.
"I've missed you." He adds, slowly hoisting himself up to climb out of bed.
Helping him stand up completely, I nod. "I've missed you," I have missed my husband- the one I fell in love with, of course.
"Hey, cuties." His ruffles up Alex's dark curls as he heads for the bathroom to get cleaned up.
"Hi, grandpa." Marissa shows off her missing teeth as she sits crisscross applesauce on the tile floor, waiting for her brother to finish his puzzle.
"Will you help us finish?" Alex asks as a gentle smile tugs at the corners of his mouth as well.
"Of course I will, buddy." He assures, another small chuckle escaping him.
~Lindsey~
"They're here." She announces the moment I step through the front door.
Smiling softly, I trail further into the lobby. "Seem promising?" I'm excited, very excited to work with a new, young group of people with this undeniable love the classic music... I mean, they sent in a remix of "Dancing In the Dark." That's pretty fucking dope in my opinion.
"They're quite the clan." She assures, leading the way down the hallway to the recording studio.
Raising an eyebrow, we both pause in front of the glass window that separates us from a small group of people scattered around the room. "I agree." I half chuckle, glancing from Rachel back to the band and one of my partners, Dan.
There a couple of guys sitting on the leather couch, one spinning in the wheelie chair, while another takes notice at the celebrity portraits hanging on the wall. And then, amongst the men is this young lady, who is by far the ring leader of this crew. She's standing in the center of the room, wearing a pair of bellbottoms, a white shirt that's tied up above the belly button, all occupied by a pair of black boots... She is obviously the soul.
Giving Rachel a gentle wink, I slide around to head into the room. And before I know it, I'm in the mix of a group of people that I don't think has really existed since the 80's.. It's like I was just transported back in time.
"Hey, you guys." Dan half smirks, motioning towards me. "This is Lindsey." He pats my shoulder lightly before moving around me.
"Hi, there." She holds out her hand immediately, a sweet smile trailing across her face. "I'm Joplin,"
