Second Chance at Love...chapter 47

Jan 18, 2010 19:37



It had been 2 weeks since Brian went away for 54 years. David’s tour was going smoothly, they had just added more dates and were working on a few more. Now here it was early May and Abbi was 6 months pregnant. In just 3 short months, David would be a father and she would be a mother. Abbi was amazed night after night at how big the crowds were and how many people were singing along to David’s songs and screaming his and the guys names.

They were doing an outdoor show in Florida tonight and even though David was tired he was ready for the show. “Gotta love this Florida weather.” He said with a chuckle. “Oh sure, the humidity is something I can’t get enough of.” Neal said sarcastically. “Ha, you’re just mad it’s messing up your hair.” David said and Abbi laughed. “Boys, stop it. I’m too tired and in no condition to break up a fight if it starts.” She said and David and Neal both laughed. “Guys, soundcheck.” Joey yelled at them. “We’ll be back.” David said as he stood and gave Abbi a kiss before joining the boys for soundcheck. ]

“Dude, climbing the scaffolding, that was classic.” Kyle said as David and the boys winded down in the bus that night after the show. David and Abbi were about to leave to fly to D.C for the Race for Hope but they were taking a few minutes to come down off of another show high. “Thanks man, I just thought, why not give them something to talk about.” David said with a laugh. “Well I didn’t enjoy that. I thought he was gonna fall and break his neck!” Abbi said from her spot next to Neal and Lauren on the couch. Neal snorted and both Abbi and Lauren hit him. “Shut up Doc. He could’ve fell.” Lauren said and Neal held up his hands to show he agreed. “Okay, yeah he could’ve, but he didn’t. You girls worry too much.” Neal said getting up to get another beer as David’s cell rang. It was sitting on the table in front of the couch so Abbi picked it up and looked at the caller id. “Dave, it’s your dad.” Abbi said as David walked up and took the phone from Abbi.

“Hey dad, what’s up?” David asked as he sat down next to Abbi. “Dave, I’ve…I’ve got some bad news….” Stan’s voice trailed off and immediately David’s body went stiff. “Dad? Oh God, is it? Adam? Oh God, no. Please no.” David said and by this time everyone in the bus was focused on the conversation David was having with his dad. Everyone knew about Adam’s cancer, everyone had been on high alert in recent weeks because Adam had taken a turn for the worse, they had even cancelled a few tour dates so David could go back to Indiana to spend some time with Adam. Abbi could hear Stan on the other end of the line sobbing. “Dave…he’s gone. Adam’s gone, son.” Stan said and David hung his head in his hands. “Oh God no. No, this can’t be happening…no. I….I….can’t believe this is happening.” David said as the tears overwhelmed him. Abbi’s heart shattered at that moment and her own tears flooded out. She put her hand on his shoulder and he immediately turned to grab on to her. She knew he’d need her now more than he’d ever needed her before.  Abbi saw Andy walk over and put his hand on David’s other shoulder and saw Neal come to sit in front of David on the table. Adam was like a brother to both of them, this was going to be hard on everyone.

“He….he’s in a better place now David.” Stan said, still sobbing on the line. Abbi had never heard Stan cry before, and her heart ached for him and his loss. “Why him dad? Why did he have to suffer like that? Why does anyone have to suffer like that? It’s not fair. Why is life so unfair?” David asked, his words barely understandable as he cried. “I don’t know son….but…Adam lived a good life…he gave us all Gage and Gracie…he made an impact on so many lives…and he’s in a better place now.” Stan said. David choked back a sob. “I’m gonna miss him so much dad. I just wish I could’ve talked to him one more time...told him I love him…told him he was the best brother and friend anyone ever had..” “He knew you loved him son. And he was so proud of you. You made your dream come true, and I know that him being on this earth to see that…well I think that may have been what kept him here so long. He wanted to see you finally make it son.” Stan said.

“We’ll be home as soon as we can.” David said through his tears. “Call me when you get everything arranged son. I love you.” Stan said. “I know. I love you Dad.” David said, and Abbi squeezed his hand. “I’ll see you soon.” Stan said as he hung up the phone. They all sat there in silence for a few minutes and then David said “I..I’ve gotta make flight arrangements…we need to get home as soon as we can….” “I’ll call the airline Dave. You just stay here with Abbi.” Neal said getting up and grabbing his phone. “The Race for Hope…” David said, remembering that they had to be at the airport to D.C in just over an hour. “They’ll understand David…you don’t have to run.” Abbi said and David looked up to meet her eyes. “I wanna do it. I still wanna run. For Adam.” He said and Abbi nodded, she understood that he’d want to run in Adam’s memory. “I’ll go get your bags ready.” Lauren said standing up and heading for the back of the bus. “Dave.” Abbi said and David just let go of his emotions again. “I can’t believe….I…..he’s….” Abbi rocked him in her arms while he cried. “I just….he….Gage, Gracie…Kendra, how are they gonna live without him? What are they gonna do now?” David asked. “Somehow, someway we’ll get through this Dave. He’d want us too….” Andy said and Abbi heard the sadness and pain in his voice. “I just…it isn’t fair. He didn’t deserve this….he was such a good person.” “I know Dave…I know…” Abbi said and her heart just ached for the pain David was going through.

A few minutes later Abbi and David were on their way to the airport to D.C. David was still fighting back his emotions and it was all Abbi could do not to lose it in front of him. Abbi knew she had to stay strong, for David and for their baby. The next few days would be the hardest days of David’s life and she would be there by his side through it all. Losing someone you love was never easy, Abbi knew that firsthand. She’d been without any family members for so long now, but the pain never got easier….she was lucky though, David’s family had opened up their arms to her and welcomed her in, even before she and David started dating. They were her family, and her heart broke for the pain they were going through right now.

On the plane to D.C David was finally able to drift off to sleep. Abbi watched him sleep as she thought about how much she’d give up if she could change this moment in time, if she could bring Adam back, and never ever have to see David suffer like this. Before she knew it the plane had arrived in D.C and she and David stepped off and headed for the Race for Hope. David was going to run the race in Adam’s honor, and then the two of them were flying to Georgia, where they’d do their show in Athens before they flew to Indiana for the funeral.

She was so grateful that all the boys would be there with them, David needed his friends with him, needed that sense of unity and strength they gave him off - and on - the stage. Abbi watched as David put on a strong front and greeted the children and adults there for the race. She watched as he ran that race with everything he had… showing his love for Adam all the while. He had lost so much more than just a brother, he had lost his hope, his strength, and most of all his hero. Standing up there on that stage was a man so important to so many, a man who’s whole world had just been shattered around him. Abbi wasn’t able to stop the tears that flowed from her eyes as she watched David give the hardest and most painful speech of his entire life….the one that told his fans that life as he knew it had just been shattered.

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