Page 20 of Full Throttled

“Sit on the bed and I’ll show you Jack.” She walks over to the TV and turns it on then brings me the remote. “It’s in that box thing. I don’t know how to turn it on though,” she admits.

“I’ll do it.” I turn it on and watch as the movie starts.

Aubree looks up at me. “You’re really pretty, Zoey.”

This little girl seems much older than I think she actually is. I smile at her and smooth her curls away from her face. “Not nearly as pretty as you are Aubree.” She blushes before curling up beside me, resting her head on my side. I slide my arm around her to make sure she doesn’t slip. Before I know it she’s snoring softly as The Nightmare Before Christmas plays on the screen.

My mind is reeling from the idea of Drake as a father. As foreign as the idea seems, it also makes perfect sense for him. I can already picture him and how this little girl has him wrapped around her finger. Sadie appears in the doorway with a knowing smile on her face. “When I couldn’t find you, I should have guessed that Aubree stole you.”

“She’s so sweet,” I tell her.

Sadie nods. “She really is. She’s a great kid. Drake’s pride and joy. He’s the best father I’ve ever seen, my husband included.”

“I’m still trying to picture Drake as a father.”

Sadie tilts her head to the side. “You didn’t know?”

I shake my head. “No, but Drake hasn’t exactly been excited to see me, not that I blame him.”

“He’ll come around. The only other girl that’s ever had him wrapped around a finger was you. He just needs to know you aren’t going anywhere this time.”

I nod. I want to tell her I’m not leaving again, but I know words never mean as much as actions. Sadie’s right. If I want to rebuild my life and friendships here then I’m going to need to show these people that I’m here to stay.

Fifteen

Drake

I wake up feeling stiff and groggy, but there is something heavy lying on my side. I peek my eyes open just enough to take in my surroundings. My parent’s living room, my ankle is propped under some pillows and my love bug is lying on my side with Jack Skellington safely tucked beside her. I smile as I take in her sleeping face and head full of dark curls. Yesterday comes back to me slowly and there’s a dull ache in my ankle that is a reminder of the fall. Foolishly, I let myself get distracted by Zoey. The worst part is, I don’t know why. I mean, I know she’s just temporary in my life again. I can’t allow myself to become so distracted by her presence.

Footsteps coming down the hallway pull me from my thoughts. When I glance back toward the eat-in kitchen, I see my dad come and open the fridge. He’s trying to be quiet, you can tell by his slow andnearly silentmovements. I adjust myself slowly, careful not to wake my sleeping girl. Once she’s situated, I get out off the couch. It’s more of a struggle than I had anticipated but eventually, I manage to hobble my way into the kitchen. I lean back against the kitchen counter, crossing my arms over my chest. “Good morning,” I tell my dad.

He turns around and smirks at me. “I was wondering if you were ever going to manage to get in here.” My dad chuckles at me.

“So, you just listened to me struggle the whole way?” I ask him, raising an eyebrow. He chuckles and nods in response. “You’re an ass, you know that?” I tell him with a shake of my head, but I’m not actually upset with him.

My dad tilts his head to the side. “Like your stubborn ass would have let me help you. We both know you would have pushed me off anyways.”

Damn it, I hate that he’s always right. I want to tell him how wrong he is, but we both know that’d be a lie. I wouldn’t have wanted his help. It would have put me in a foul mood, so it’s best this way-- but still. “Okay, yeah, whatever.”

He chuckles again. “You okay? Yeah, you can whatever me all you want, but you know I’m right. You want some coffee?”

“Yes please,” I tell him, as I move to take a seat at the table.

“How are you feeling?” he asks.

“My ankle feels like shit, but I think that damn pain medicine is finally wearing off. It knocked me on my damn ass. I don’t even remember getting here last night or Aubree climbing up on me to sleep,” I explain. I’ve never been one for any form of drugs; illegal or prescribed. It’s just not my thing. Maybe, because of the history my biological father had with addiction.

Axell sits down across from me. “I’m shocked you took the medicine.”

I scoff. “I didn’t. They had the shit shot up in my arm before I could even speak.” Shaking my head in disgust, I lean back in the chair until my back pops, instant relief fills me.

“Yeah, you were out of it. You didn’t even acknowledge anyone.”

“Did Wilder bring me here?” I ask, trying to piece everything back together. He nods his head in reply. “I’m sorry you got stuck taking him back to the clubhouse.”

I watch as my dad’s eyebrows knit together in confusion. He opens his mouth to say something, but my mom walks in with a bright smile on her face. “Good morning you two. How are you feeling, Sweetheart?” she asks, as she walks over and plants a kiss on the top of my head.

“I’m better than last night,” I tell her.

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