Wild Ride - The Alternative Version (Book 2)

Chapter 57~I Wonder If You Notice All The Days I'm Not Around

A/N: Ok, so I just wanted to let you guys know that the picture that's on the side is to show you what Dustin looks like. Sooo, just imagine Alex Pettyfer from 2006 but with blue eyes instead of green :D Hope you enjoy this chapter! (:

~A7X_ReverendPlague

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Abbie's POV

When I woke up, my eyes opened to a bright, purple room that was so familiar to me. As I shook the remains of sleep off, just laying there and hugging the pillow, I smiled when I knew for sure that I really was home. I didn't even remember falling asleep, much less coming up to my room last night, but I found that I'd slept in my clothes. 

I got up and got dressed in fresh clothes, brushing through my hair and studying myself in the mirror as a habit. This time, I saw a little bit more happiness etched into the face staring back at me, but the pain was still there. The reminders of the horror that is the last five years of my life is still there. But right now, I didn't care. All I cared about was that I was home, a word that wasn't so painful anymore. 

I went out into the hall and quickly went down the stairs, hearing voices that belonged to men. They sounded kind of familiar, their laughs made feel like I should know who else in the house other than my parents. 

Coming around the corner into the living room, I saw Mom and Dad but Kaylee wasn't present so she still must be asleep. Then, when I turned my head a little more, on the couch sat four men, and I knew why their voices had been familiar to me. They just looked at me in shock, and I just stared at them because I was unsure of what to do. Apparently, Mom and Dad haven't told them I'm back yet. 

Looking me over like everyone else around here seems to do upon first seeing me, Uncle Matt said, "Either Kaylee grew up a lot over night, or we're looking at someone who's supposed to be all the way across the country from us." 

Uncle Brian got up from the couch and stood right in front of me, pulling his aviators down to the tip of his nose, peering at me closely with his eyes squinted. I arched an eyebrow at him as if to ask him what he was doing, trying not to laugh at his scrunched up face.

"My God...!" He said, looking back at the others for a moment before looking at me. "I think it's really her!" He exclaimed, and I heard Dad chuckle. "Squirt, is that really you?" Uncle Brian asked me. 

I couldn't stop a giggle. "Yes, Uncle Brian, it's me." 

He grinned widely. "Well then that means I can do this and know I'm hugging the right person." And then he pretty much tackled me in a bonecrushing hug that nearly cut off my oxygen supply. "Welcome back home, squirt!!" Uncle Brian yelled happily, and I laughed as I managed to move my arms enough under his grip to hug him back. 

The others got up and hugged me too, and it was almost like they were having a contest to see who could hug me the tightest, and I think Uncle Matt's going to be the winner. He's got a lot of muscle anyway, I wouldn't even attempt to go against him in an arm wrestle. Uncle Johnny was the last to step up to me, and when he did he looked me over and frowned.

"She's taller than me. Why is she taller than me? This is not cool, Abbie." He ranted, and I giggled as he turned around and sent a playful glare to Dad. "Why would you do this to me, Jimmy? Why? I'm just a simple gnome trying to make it through life and you do this to me." Dad just laughed at him and he pouted as he turned back to look at me again. 

"Aw, don't be sad! C'mere, Uncle Gnome!" I said, pulling him into a big hug. It was kind of weird, having to bend down a little to hug him, and having to look down at him now instead of up at him. I guess he really is as short as everyone says he is. Being nine, I couldn't really tell because I was still shorter than him, and from that level at the time, he didn't seem that short. But now I understand why they call him Short Shit.