Bandmate ||Ricky Garcia||

《s i x t y - e i g h t》

The Jackson family in case anyone was curious on how I pictured them*

* no one was curious
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Audrey's POV

I didn't tell my mom that Ricky knew. In fact, I hadn't mentioned anything that had happened in the past week. It has been 2 days since the news got out and within 24 hours my whole family was calling and texting non-stop. All three of us were on our way from Boise airport to the hospital. 

Mom was with the taxi driver telling him where to drop us off, while I tried to ignore the buzzing erupting from the phone. Ricky has been trying to talk to me and I just haven't brought myself to answer. 

''So you're never going to answer him?'' Jos asked me and I nodded. ''Don't you think you're being a little too harsh?'' 

I looked away from the window and turned to face her. I made sure my mom wasn't looking back and I leaned towards her, ''Jos he kept my family existence from me. He's seen me cry and he still didn't tell me.'' I whisper at her. 

''Fair point but he did say he had reasons.'' 

''There are no good reasons to keep my family a secret,'' I say and go back to leaning on the window. As I looked at the street names I realized we're here. Shortly after seeing the Hospital sign the large building came into view and I couldn't wait to sprint out and run to them. 

Mom acted cool and collected until he paid the driver and took my hand. Her eyes were glossy and lips were pink with dry flakes. ''You ready?'' I nodded and we walked in hand in hand. My heart was beating out my chest as if I had a flock of birds trapped inside trying to break themselves free. When we reached the front desk mom's hands were shaking as she talked to the receptionist. 

Jos pulled me aside to tell me, ''Please don't get mad at me.'' 

I raised my eyebrows, ''What did you do?'' 

''Audrey, please listen to me.'' I hear a deep groggy voice from behind me. My shoulders stiffen and I can feel my lips turn into a firm line. Jocelyn is grinning from ear to ear.

I turn around to find him shifting his weight from side to side. His hair is tousled and almost covering his eyes. He started walking towards me and gave me a hug. The scent of pinecones and mint radiates from him. 

''Why are you here,'' I whisper into his ear.

As he caresses my hair he says, ''I couldn't leave you alone at a moment like this. You were there for me and I am here for you.'' 

I could feel my heart slowly start to regain its composure. I kept on telling myself that I was angry but I'm still happy he's here. ''Oh, Ricky you came.'' My mom's voice trickles from behind us. He lets go but still keeps in my a side hug. 

''Sorry, it was short notice...'' Ricky says scratching at his neck. 

''It's okay with me. C'mon Audrey lets go see your dad and brother.'' Her voice was slow and smooth, but you could tell that tears were starting to form. I nodded and Mom and Joselyn start to walk first and we followed.

''So what were your reasons,'' I mumbled keeping my eyes on the tile floor.

''I had received a call from a private investigator-''

''Wait you actually hired one?'' I stopped and looked at him.

''Yes because I wanted to help. So when he called, he told me that your family was in critical condition. He told me that they might not even make it. I was going to tell you myself but then all these things happened, and I just didn't want you to see them at their worse. I sent the news crew when I was informed they were doing better.''