Second Chance At Love....chapter 50
Damn, you guys are getting spoiled here lately...lol This is a long chapter. And you all may hate me and be pissed at fic Dave after the end of it. *hides*
David drove around for what felt like hours, when in all reality it had only been thirty minutes. He pulled into the parking lot of a rundown looking café on the west side of L.A. and went into, deciding to get some coffee. As he sat down in a booth in the far corner of the café he noticed that all the employees and customers were submerged in the finale of Idol, which meant that he wouldn’t be too noticed here. A cute blonde waitress noticed him about a minute after he sat down and came over to take his order. “What can I get you today sir?” she asked. “Just a cup of coffee please.” David replied. “Okay, I’ll be right back with it.” She said. She returned a minute later and set the cup of coffee in front of him. “Anything else?” she asked. “Nah, this is all. Thanks.” David replied and she nodded as she turned and walked back to corner of the café where everyone was watching Idol.
David sat there drinking his coffee and trying to forget everything about the past couple weeks, from that call that changed his life, to the performance that almost broke him in two all over again. Then he was broken out of his reverie at the shouts of the patrons in the café, cheering for this season’s winner. He turned to face the tv and saw Kris performing No Boundaries and he couldn’t help but smile. Kris was a nice guy, family oriented, humble and David knew the fame wouldn’t go to his head. Plus the kid beat the odds and won as the underdog. His waitress turned to see him looking at the tv and motioned toward the coffee pot. David held up his cup and a minute later she walked over and refilled it.
“You look so familiar.” She said as she refilled his cup and then a second later she whispered “Omg, you’re David Cook.” David smiled at her and said “I am. Nice to meet you.” “You too, I’m a huge fan. That performance tonight was amazing. It brought tears to my eyes.” She said. “I’m glad you liked it.” “I did. My little sister….she recently was diagnosed with leukemia and that song….it means a lot to us.” She said, nearly tearing up. David choked back a sob before saying “Well I hope your sister pulls through this.” “Thank you. That means a lot. And I…I’m sorry about your brother. I know how much he meant to you.” She said. “Thank you.” David replied, the tears threatening once again. “Well I’ll leave you to yourself. If you need any more coffee just let me know.” David nodded in return as she walked away, leaving him to think about what she had just said. As he sat in the booth, all the memories of the past few weeks came flooding back and David couldn’t stop the tears that had formed in his eyes.
His phone rang as he sat there at the booth and when he looked at the caller id he saw that was Andy. He wiped at his eyes, threw a twenty on the table, grabbed his keys and phone and walked out the door. As he walked outside he answered Andy’s call. “Hey Andy.” He said as he unlocked his car. “Thank goodness. Where are you Dave?” he heard Andy say. “I needed some air.” David replied as he climbed in the car. “Okay….well do you know that you scared everyone shitless man?” Andy replied and he could hear Neal call him a selfish bastard in the background. “I didn’t mean to worry you guys, I just…I had to get outta there man.” “Well you could’ve told us that. We’d have given you the space man.” “I know, but I just…..it’s hard to explain man. Sorry.” David said. “Dave.” Neal said, taking the phone from Andy. “Doc.” “What the hell gives you the right to scare Abbi like that? She and your mom are both worried sick about you.” Neal practically growled at him. “Doc, calm down. I’m okay…I just…needed to be alone.” David said but Neal’s next statement told him that he saw right through him.
“If you don’t fucking quit spitting bullshit Dave…damnit, where are you?” Neal said. “I’m at a café on the west side. Don’t worry I’ll be home soon.” David said, trying to calm Neal down. “You better be. Cause if not I’ll beat your fucking ass.” Neal said. “Relax Neal. I’m leaving now…..damn.” David said backing out of the parking lot and pulling onto the 404. “I’ll relax when your ass walks in your front door and your fiancée gets the chance to quit worrying about whether you’re lying in a ditch somewhere or not.” Neal said slamming the phone shut.
“Damnit, I can’t even go out for a few minutes without everyone thinking I’m fucking going off the deep end.” David said throwing his phone in the seat beside him. He turned the radio to his favorite L.A rock station and the song that was playing almost caused him to run off the freeway. He pulled off at the next exit, managing not to have a panic attack while on the freeway. As the Foo Fighters My Hero played on David was hit with so much emotion that he felt he was being ripped into again. This was the song he’d sang so many times for Adam. At his homecoming in Blue Springs, on the Idols tour for almost 4 months, and now here he was hearing it on the radio. He couldn’t stop his hands from shaking and his eyes from filling up with tears as the song continued.
He sat there even after the song ended, trying to calm himself and his steadily rising blood pressure before he headed back home. As he started the car and turned around to head home, he kept thinking to himself that he just needed to make it through another hour, another day, and hope that the pain would end up going away.
“Are you sure he’s okay?” Abbi asked for the tenth time since Neal and Andy had returned. “I’m not sure of anything other than the fact that he’s being an idiot right now.” Neal said pacing around the living room. “Doc.” Andy warned. “Well it’s true. He does that song even after we told him not to, then he has a breakdown and leaves without telling anyone. I swear I’m gonna ring his neck if he doesn’t snap out of this soon.” Neal said. “Neal, I appreciate you looking out for David but we need to let him work this out on his own.” Beth said from her spot on the couch next to Abbi. She had brought Abbi home after the finale and they’d been waiting on David ever since. Abbi knew that Beth was just as worried about David as she and everyone else was, but her strength was keeping her from coming apart like Abbi was. Abbi sighed. They hadn’t told Beth about the empty bottle of Jack they had found in David’s duffle because they didn’t want her to worry even more about him, and besides Abbi knew she, Neal and the guys would handle it, no need to make her a wreck too.
“I need a cigarette.” Neal said, walking over and opening the door, to see David standing there. “Thank goodness.” Abbi said, standing and walking over to give him a hug. When he didn’t immediately hug her back, she knew that something had happened and things had gotten worse for him. “Dave, you okay?” she asked. “Hmm…oh yeah, I’m fine. Just tired. Think I’m gonna head up to bed.” He said turning to walk upstairs. When he was out of earshot Abbi heard Neal say “Damn fucking stubborn ass. I swear I’m gonna kick his ass one of these days” as he shut the front door behind him. Beth walked over and put her hand on Abbi’s shoulder, telling her everything would work out and kissing her on the cheek before she headed back to her hotel. After she was gone Abbi turned to Andy and said “I don’t know what to do Skib…..” Andy sighed “Neither do I…..this isn’t Dave.” Abbi shook her head and said “No it isn’t.” Then she headed upstairs to check on David, finding him fast asleep in their bed. “Well at least he’s sleeping.” Abbi thought to herself as she crawled into bed next to him, praying things wouldn’t get worse…
Two weeks later
It had been two weeks since Abbi found the bottle of alcohol in David’s bag, and a month since David lost Adam. Abbi saw a depressed David continue to drink himself away from everyone he knew and loved, especially her and their child. Since the Idol finale, things had gotten worse and she and Neal both knew David was drinking more and more, despite their efforts to stop him. He’d sneak away any chance he got and Abbi often caught him with alcohol on his breath. But David was sneaky about it, when they went out to eat before or after the show, he only drank Coke or water.
He also had started walking around in a zombie-like state, only saying something when he was spoken to and avoiding everyone’s gazes. He poured his heart out onstage every night, the only place he felt safe and at home. Abbi was heartbroken seeing David in this state; she didn’t know what to do but knew that she had to do something, before she lost him forever. She felt like she was slowly losing her other half, her best friend, her soul mate, and the father of her son. She needed him, their son needed him, and she knew she had to get him to come back to him.
She knew Neal was just as worried about David as she was, he’d kept his promise to her and had been keeping an eye on him every night on stage, shooting worried glances his way and trying desperately to take any and all alcohol away from David that he could in the rare occasions that he found him with alcohol. “Doc I’m fine. It’s just one beer.” David had said one night as a fan both David a beer at the bar. When David wasn’t looking Neal told the bartender not to sell David anymore. And Neal had also quit drinking around David, saying he didn’t want to give Dave any reasons to think what he was doing was okay. But even with all their attempts, David was fading farther away from them.
Abbi knew it was time to do something so she pulled Neal aside one night before the show. “Doc we gotta do something…” she said. “He’s scaring the hell outta me, I’ve never seen him like this Abs. I don’t get scared easy but he’s really fucking terrifying me here.” Neal said running a hand through his hair and glancing over at where David was standing, watching the opener’s set. “We can’t let him keep going on like this….I can’t keep watching him do this….I’ve thought a lot about this and I…” Abbi broke off. “And what Abbi?” Neal asked. “You can tell me, I’m always gonna have your back.” Neal said and Abbi took a breath before she responded. “I’ll leave again….I know I told him I’d never leave again, but I have to consider our son here. I can’t stay with someone who seems to have lost all the fight and life in him.” She said, near tears.
“I know Abs…and if it comes to that, I’ll help you with anything you need, help you figure all this out….but now’s the time to do something. We need to lock him up and have you talk some sense into that damn skull of his. You’re the only one who will be able to get through to him.” Neal said and Abbi nodded her head in agreement.
“Will you help me? I…I can’t do this alone.” Abbi said. “Of course I’ll help Abbi. He’s my best friend. He’s your fiancée, together we’ll get him back….we have to.” Neal said pulling her into a hug. “Thanks Doc.” She said as David’s manager yelled that it was nearing show time. Neal released Abbi and wiped away her tears, as he turned to head on stage Abbi thought to herself that they would get David back…that they had to.
That night after the show Neal met Abbi backstage to start phase one of their plan. David had left the stage and headed straight to his makeshift dressing room, and straight to another night of drinking. “Okay….let’s do this.” Abbi said steadying herself as she and Neal made their way down the hall and to David. “It’s gonna be okay…I’ll be there every step of the way Abbi….” Neal said, putting his hand on her shoulder. When they got to David’s dressing room Neal knocked on the door and got a “What?” response from David. “Dave, it’s me.” Abbi said. David didn’t answer so Neal turned the knob to find the door wasn’t locked. Abbi walked in first and Neal followed. Neal closed the door and then moved the folding chair that was in the corner in front of the doorknob, blocking Dave’s exit.
“Doc, what the hell?” Dave asked as he stood up and headed toward where they were standing. “Dave, this has gotta stop man. You can’t keep doing this to yourself.” Neal said, reaching out and taking the bottle of alcohol from David. “Give that back!” David yelled, reaching out to grab for the bottle. “No. Now sit down and listen to us Dave.” Neal said pushing David into the nearest chair and then throwing the bottle of alcohol in the trash. “Are you insane?!” David yelled, standing up again. “Stop it Dave! Right now!” Abbi said speaking for the first time since they’d entered the room.
David looked from Neal to her and back again before sitting down. “I don’t know what your deal is. God, I’m just unwinding from another show. No big deal.” David said shrugging. “No big deal huh?” Abbi said. “No big deal!?” David, I’ve watched you drink yourself into this place for a month now. I know you’re still grieving but damnit do NOT do it like this. We all miss Adam but….” “Don’t say his name!” David shouted, standing up and Abbi flinched. Neal immediately stepped in front of Abbi, protecting her and the baby. Abbi took a breath and then said “See, look at yourself. This isn’t you…..Adam wouldn’t want you to do this to yourself.” “How would you know what Adam wants? Huh?” David asked. “Dave, she knew him as well as we did. She loved him as much as we did….damnit, it’s fucking killing us both to see you do this to yourself. Do you know how fucking hard it has been for us to look at you for the last fucking month and know that you were slowly doing to yourself what the cancer did to Adam?” Neal said and David’s head snapped up. “Don’t you DARE say that!” David shouted. “Why not?! Huh cause it’s fucking true Dave! You’re drinking yourself into an early grave and I know Adam wouldn’t want that….think of your mom, your dad, Drew and Gage and Gracie.” Neal said and then Abbi spoke up before David could say anything in retort.
“Dave, look at you. You’re a mess. You’re drinking yourself into a place that you can’t come back from. You’re not the same person I fell in love with. I don’t even know you anymore.” She said, eyes flooded with tears. “Don’t be so fucking melodramatic, I haven’t changed. Maybe you have.” David said, walking over and sitting down in the chair again. “Damnit Dave, grow the fuck up.” Neal said and David glared at him. “Dave, I’m this close to doing the last thing I said I’d do to you again….” Abbi said and David looked over to her, immediately comprehending what see was saying and then saying the last words she thought he’d ever say to her. “You know what why don’t you? You’re so damn good at leaving. Why don’t you just fucking go?” David asked and Abbi flinched.
“You don’t mean that…” Abbi said. “Yeah I think I do. If you don’t like who I am leave, cause I don’t plan on changing anytime soon. This is who I am now.” David said with a shrug. Abbi looked at the man in that chair, seeing that he was right, this was who he was now. “Fine….you know what…if you want me to leave, I’ll leave. I’ll pack up my things, I’ll leave and you’ll never hear from me again. Never see your son. Is that what you want?” Abbi said, more angry now than hurt. David just shrugged. “Take the rest of my heart and reason to live away, I don’t care anymore.” David said. Abbi just turned and walked out of the room, looking at Neal once before she left.
“What the FUCK was that!?” Neal asked after Abbi had left. “You’re just gonna let her leave?” “That’s what she’s good at. She’s done it twice to me now. Maybe she’ll stay gone this time.” David said, standing up and grabbing the bottle of alcohol outta the trash. “Damnit David you are the most ignorant person I’ve ever fucking met. That woman loves you more than life itself. And you just let her walk out the door. Go after her.” Neal said. “Why don’t you go after her? You two seem to be getting along pretty well. Anyone can see how close you two are.” David said. “What’s that supposed to mean? She’s my friend Dave.” Neal asked. “Ha. Sure, your friend. Doc I see the way you look at her, see how you hug her, like you’re ready to bang her into next week like all your other girls. If you want her so badly you can have her.” David said, taking a drink of the alcohol. “You have some damn nerve. I would never fucking do that to you. You’re like a brother to me and she’s like a sister to me. Damnit Dave, she’s right you’re not at all the guy we knew. Well you know what? I’m done.” Neal said. “Done huh? Done with what? Pretending?” David asked, taking another drink of the alcohol. “No I’m done with this. With you. If you don’t wanna change, then hell I can’t make you. But just so you know, when you crash and burn I won’t fucking be there to help pick up the pieces. Find yourself another lead guitarist.” Neal said, storming out.
As he walked down the hallway and turned the corner he saw Abbi lying on the floor. “Shit Abbi!” he yelled running to her side. “Neal…” Abbi said. “What’s wrong? Is it the baby?” Neal asked. “He’s coming.” Abbi said, struggling to breathe. “It’s too soon. He’s not due yet.” Neal said. “Tell him that.” Abbi said, doubling over in pain again. “Shit, what’s going on?” Andy asked, running up. “We tried to get through to Dave, he said some things that upset Abbi and she left. I just found her like this.” Neal said. “Is she in labor?” Andy asked as Abbi screamed. “I’ll take that as a yes.” Andy said. “We need to get her to the hospital. Where’s Ryan’s van?” Neal asked and then he saw Ryan walk up. “Whoa, shit, is she in labor?” Ryan asked. “Yeah, we need to get her to the hospital. Your van?” Neal said. “I got the keys, let’s go.” Ryan said as Neal picked Abbi up. “Neal the baby. It’s too soon!” Abbi said turning her face into his chest and screaming again. “Shit, this isn’t good.” Andy said. “No it’s not….Listen take Abs, go to the hospital, stay with her and I’ll be there soon.” Neal said, putting Abbi into Andy’s arms. “Neal don’t leave me please...…” Abbi said as she struggled to stay in Neal’s arms. “It’s okay baby doll. I promise you I’ll be there soon.” He said, kissing her forehead and yelling at Andy to hurry as he ran back down the hallway to David’s dressing room.
He banged the door opened and then slammed it shut, causing David to jump up from the chair he was slumped in, head in his hands. “Doc, I’m…” David started, unsure of what to say. “Don’t!” Neal yelled, walking over and grabbing David by the throat. “Look, right now I don’t give a damn about what’s happened this past month. I just found Abbi lying in the hallway floor. She’s in labor Dave.” Neal said. “It’s too soon.” David said, shocked. “Well I guess with all the stress of tonight and the past month, it caused her to go into early labor. Right now all I care about is Abbi and that baby. Because of you, because of your stupid ass decision to drink yourself to death and be a fucking asshole, she’s now on her way to the hospital! Now I’m not gonna kill you, because then she’d kill me, but I swear to God if you caused something to happen to your son, I’ll beat your fucking ass and you’ll wind up in the hospital too. Now pull yourself together Dave. I’m not gonna keep watching you do this to yourself….not gonna keep watching you do this to Abbi. I shouldn’t have to and neither should she. She’s been there for you, been there through all your shit, and you treated her like this. I won’t let you do that to her again.” Neal said releasing David and shoving him back into the chair.
He turned and walked out of the dressing room, leaving David to think about everything that had happened. As he made his way to the hospital he prayed Abbi and the baby were fine…and also that David would see just how fucked up he was right now and stop drinking.