Wild Ride - The Alternative Version (Book 2)

Chapter 70~When You're Young

Jimmy's POV

The next morning, Elise, Kaylee and I were waiting on Abbie to come downstairs for breakfast. I'd had to carry her to bed last night after she came downstairs and snuggled up on the couch with me because she'd fallen asleep. I didn't mind, though. I tucked her in and kissed her goodnight before going to bed myself.

As I was sitting at the bar with Kaylee, Elise asked from where she was at the stove, "Has Abbie even drummed since she came home?" 

"Not to my knowledge, no. I think she's only even been in the basement one or two times she's come home. Why?"

"I was just wondering. You'd think she would, she loved it so much." 

"I know, and I was hoping that maybe with time she'd go back to it again, but I guess not." I shrugged kind of sadly. It was her choice, of course, but I know she really loved to drum before she left and I'd hate to see her let go of it if she loves it.

"Maybe she just needs some encouragement." Elise suggested, looking at me and raising her eyebrows.

"Maybe, and I'll definitely give it to her if that's what it takes." 

Kaylee looked up at me with big blue eyes after swallowing down some juice. "Was she good at it?" 

"Of course she was good at it, she learned from me!" I teased, and Kaylee just shrugged, holding her hands out. I pretended to be offended, my mouth dropping open. "What's that supposed to mean!?" 

Kaylee burst into a fit of giggles. "Nooooothing."

I narrowed my eyes at her. "Careful, goober. I can bring the tickle monster out of hiding." I gave her a little preview, and she giggled even more, squirming in her seat. I chuckled and leaned over to kiss her cheek.

Abbie came around the corner a moment later, dressed with her hair damp from a shower she'd just taken. She smiled at us as she came further into the kitchen. "Morning, guys." 

"Morning!" We shouted back at once.

"Did you save any food for me?" She asked.

"Absolutely not." I said. "We ate it all so you can't have any." 

Abbie gave me a playful glare, and then looked at Elise, who just grinned and handed her a plate. "Thanks Mom, you're a lifesaver." Elise laughed, and Abbie looked at me again and stuck out her tongue at me. I just grinned and shook my head as she hopped up onto the stool on the other side of Kaylee.

Elise gave Abbie her meds, and she quickly downed them so she could start digging into her food, obviously hungry this morning. She and Kaylee talked for about the entire time, and then when they were both done eating, I decided to try and give Abbie encouragement to start drumming again. 

As Abbie got up from the bar, I said, "Hey, Abbie, why don't you come with me down to the basement for a few minutes?" 

"Ok, sure." She said, walking over to me. I turned and headed for the basement door, and she followed behind me. 

Once we got down the stairs and were standing in the middle of the room, I turned to face her. She was looking kind of puzzled as her eyes floated around the room, and then her gaze was fixed on me.

"So, what am I down here for?" Abbie asked curiously.

"I need you to do me a favor." 

"Ok."

I grabbed a pair of drumsticks with her watching me, and then I held them out to her. She just kind of studied them for a moment before slowly reaching out and taking them from me, rolling them around in her hands.