When the Past Returns

Say Goodbye

2015

In the last few years, a lot has happened. Katherine had her baby, Skye Devon, on July 2nd. Juniper and Derrick had a kid that we have full custody over. She isn't allowed near her son until she's sober. His name is Saxon Levi Davis and he was born September 10, 2014. The kids are growing up and leaving me. But, now I have grandkids to take care of. That's my new job.

Mötley Crüe is now on their final tour. This is it. After this year, they're done. I get my husband for a good number of the days. Michael moved out. I have to see Nikki off at the airport now while the kids are in school. We get in my corvette and I drive there, holding his hand all the way. "I won't be gone long." He says, looking at me. "Yeah, you will." I say. I feel the tears building up. "Abby, we're going to FaceTime all the time. Don't worry." He says, squeezing. "Okay. I'm sorry. I hate when you leave." I say. We were here. At his gate. I had to leave him. Then I felt it. I let the tears go. "Baby, don't cry. Please don't cry." He says, holding onto me. Tommy and Mick was there and were hugging us, too. "Watch over him for me. Give him lots of hugs and kisses for me. And if he needs somebody to sleep with, one of you get in his bed." I say. "Don't worry. We got this." They laugh. Nikki wipes away my tears before giving me a kiss and leaving. I was alone until the kids came home. Katherine took the babies out somewhere to shop with her friends, so I had no one.

---

The kids were home and they had their homework done. "So, this pie you've made? Where you hidin' it, Momma?" Teagon asks, climbing onto things. "I'm getting it. It was in the oven still. Get off the table." I say. It was apple pie, our favorite. I made two and still have enough ingredients for the more. Gunner was home with me, Storm and Decker were in college, and Ashtyn, Frankie-Jean, Teagon, and Hanley were here with me. "Is she still not home?" Ash asks, looking at his phone. "Did you call her?" I suggest. "She didn't pick up." Ash sounded super annoyed. "Try it again." I say. He calls. "Hey, Kat. Where are you?" There was silence for a minute. "Katherine, stop yelling. It- no, Kat, it was just a question. Katherine, please. I hear the babies crying. What's going on?" He asks. More silence. "Do you need me to come get you?" He asks. Silence. "Okay, drive safely." He says, hanging up. "Well, that was complete crap. She yelled at me about not trusting her." He says. "I'm sorry. I should've talked to her." I say, cutting him a piece of pie.

---

"How's everything?" Nikki asks over FaceTime. "Well, the kids are asleep and I'm here, awake. Katherine blew up on Ash today." I say. "Why this time?" He asks, running his hand through his hair. I could tell he was really tired. "I'm not sure. Baby, you're tired. Go to sleep and we'll talk tomorrow. Just kick ass for us, okay? We love you so much, Nikki." I say. "Alright. I love you, Abby. I'll see you soon. Goodnight, babe." He says, blowing me a kiss. I blow him one and we hang up. I make my way upstairs to our bedroom and crawl into bed. I close my eyes and fall asleep.

---

Leica was barking at the front door. "Leica! Come here." Gunner says, blocking him from the door and opening it. "Dad!" He shouts. Nikki was walking to the door with his bags over his shoulders. Gunner took the bags and hugged him before the little ones did. "Grandpa! Look at what we made!" Skye was excited over the glitter artwork I was helping him with. I had Saxon in my arms while he patted my glittery face and reached for Grandpa Nikki. "I've missed you so much!" Nikki scooped up Skye and hugged me and Saxon tightly. "Frankie's with Donna?" He asks. I nod. "Okay. So, I'm gonna go make a san-" he starts to say. "No, we're going out to eat. I've reserved a table for all of us. Storm and Decker are meeting us there. We're going to Duffy's. I need some buffalo wings." I say, holding down Saxon's hands. Nikki takes him and gives him lots of kisses.

"Let's get ready. Skye, make sure you wash off real good, okay?" I say. We all climb the stairs to our rooms to get dressed and Gunner takes control of the babies. I jump in the shower to get all the glitter out and Nikki jumps in. "I've missed you." He says, pulling me close to him. He gives me kisses from my lips to my neck. "Nikki, we really can't." I whisper. "Do you not want to?" He asks, pulling away from me. "I do. But, we have to get going." I say. "We'll make it quick. Don't worry." He says, moving his hand lower on my stomach.