Chapter Forty-eight, Scattered Tears
Posted by DiF on Wednesday, August 8, 2012
Title: Midnight Shift: Chapter Forty-eight, Scattered Tears
Rating: PG-13 [language, drinking]
Summary: Summer learns of the stillborn baby. Jimmy struggles with handling such an emotional time, even when Jonesy and Bonzo show up to help. Summer returns to California...
In hindsight, it probably had not been a good idea to call one girlfriend when worrying about the other and asking for advice. Yet Jimmy usually followed instincts and that had meant the phone call to Charlotte. She had not hung up the phone, but she had a few choice words to say before he had the chance to remind her that the child had been Robert’s. Weathering that, he hoped she would have some good, decent advice, but she did not.
Hanging up the phone, Jimmy paced away. He pushed aside the thought of calling Grant, really thinking it would be more foolish than calling Charlotte. In reality though, if anyone could feasibly do something for Summer, it would be the band manager. Gritting his teeth, he snatched up the phone and dialed the last known number for the band manager. After two rings, the gruff man answered. Jimmy quickly and calmly explained the situation to the manager, practically holding his breath with anticipation.
“Clearly you will have to assess her needs and make your decision from that,” Peter declared.
“But…”
“Go talk to her, Jimmy. Ring me again afterwards.”
He sighed, “Okay.”
Hanging up the phone, he stepped into the hall. His dark eyes instantly found the nurse. She nodded and motioned for him, quickly leading the way. Stopping outside the door, she once more explained Summer’s condition to the musician before stepping aside to allow his entry. Taking a deep breath, Jimmy pushed open the door and stepped into the hospital room.
Even with the nurse’s explanation, he had not been prepared for what he saw. Wires and tubes snaked out of Summer’s veins, some connected to bags, and some connected to machines monitoring her. Her normally soft peach, porcelain skin had no luminosity or color at all. If it were not for the sounds of the machines, he would wonder if she were even alive. The scene completely terrified him, similar in the way that seeing Robert in a similar situation did.
He felt completely and utterly helpless.
Her mumble and wiggle snapped his attention to her. He quickly forced a smile, hoping it would put her at ease. Her eyes fluttered open and struggled to focus, wildly glancing around the room before finding him. Still smiling, Jimmy approached her bedside, pulled a stool next to it, and sat. His fingers reached for hers, but he did not speak. He did not have any idea what to even say.
“J-jimmy?” Summer finally muttered.
“I’m here, princess,” he responded, his thumb caressing the back of her hand.
“What… where am I?” she breathed.
“You’re in the hospital. In Jersey.”
“Where Robert is?”
He nodded, not sure if he should tell her any more.
Her blue eyes broke away from his and glanced around. Watching thoughts flit across her face, Jimmy could tell she was trying to figure out what had happened, why she was in the hospital bed. She pulled her fingers from his and pressed her hand to her abdomen as her eyes closed. Jimmy held his breath, waiting out her realization.
“I…I’m so empty,” she breathed. “The baby…”
“Princess,” he whispered, covering her hand with his own, “I… I’m so sorry.”
She inhaled sharply, “The baby… is she…?”
Jimmy swallowed, trying to bide time to inform her what happened, “Summer…”
Her eyes opened, brimming with tears, and she looked directly at him, “Tell me.”
“She was… there was not a thing they could do for her. She was… too young and…”
“What?”
“Summer, sweetie, you should rest more,” he responded.
“Tell me, Jimmy.”
He sighed, “Very well. Summer, the baby… was stillborn.”
She blinked, saying nothing.
“They said you had severe placental abruption and…”
“What does… what does that mean?”
“The placenta completely detached from your uterine lining and… the baby…”
Her bottom lip trembled, “I killed my baby?”
“No, no, no,” he reached up and wiped her falling tears. “Not at all.”
“But… but…” she sobbed.
Jimmy leaned over and kissed her frown gently, “It was nothing that you did, Summer. It just happened. These things happen. It’s nothing that you did.”
“Jimmy…”
Silently, he shifted off the stool and sat on the edge of her bed. Carefully, Jimmy slipped his arms around her and pulled her close. Though he was afraid of hurting her, he was also aware that she was on a lot of drugs and likely would not feel any physical pain. He needed to ease the pain in her heart and soul; the only option he saw in the moment was to hold her while she cried.
“Summer,” he brushed her blonde curls from her face before they stuck to her tear-streaked cheeks, “what can I do for you, princess?”
“T-take m-me….h-home.”
Trying to ascertain what Summer considered home was not simple, not in the least. He knew it was not London, as she had only been in a hotel there. And it was not the cottage they rented now, he thought. Maybe the hotel back in New York? But no, she had not seemed completely at ease there either. This pointed to one location alone: California.
Only she did not really have a home there either.
Sighing, Jimmy sipped his glass of whiskey and glanced out into the living room where Robert’s children played. He did not want to tell them that he had to take Summer away from them. They adored her, with good reason. But he did not think she would be in the right place to care for the two young children, especially as her body healed from its trauma. Never before had Jimmy felt so challenged in dealing with… anything. Band matters seemed effortless compared to this. How was he supposed to take care of Summer?
Reaching to fill his glass once more, he jumped slightly when the phone rang. Finishing pouring before reaching for the phone, he drolly greeted the caller. Sipping his drink, he tried to frame his explanation to John Paul about the status of things.
“Robert is…improving,” he declared.
“But?” the bassist responded.
“Summer… is not.”
There was a long pause before he asked what was wrong with the Californian girl. With a sigh, Jimmy explained the loss of the baby and her response thus far. He fell silent at the end of the tale, hoping the bassist would interject with some advice, especially since he was surrounded by girls all the time.
“You have to take her back to California, Jimmy.”
“But where? I cannot take her back to her family, unless I suppose, Bob would take her. I do not think that is a prudent action,” he responded.
“Rent another house there.”
He paused, “Taxes.”
“Which is more important, Jimmy: that girl’s well being or a few thousand dollars?”
He sighed and took another drink of whiskey, “Grant is fighting me on it.”
“Which is more important: Summer or Grant?”
“Jonesy…”
“You know it’s the right thing to do.”
“What about Robert? And his children?”
“Maureen’s sister can take care of the children. And Robert will be well taken care of at the hospital. You know that.”
Suddenly realizing he must have sounded pathetic or desperate or something of that sort, Jimmy finished his drink quickly before replying, “Nothing to worry about. I’ll handle things.”
“Yes, of course. I’m sure Bonzo will want to see Summer. I will bring him along.”
His eyes widened slightly, “There is no reason to cut your family holidays short.”
“Nonsense. Summer is a part of our families too. We will be there tomorrow.”
Jimmy paused briefly before muttering, “Thank you, Jonesy.”
The next few days passed in a blur. Robert seemed to be improving but did not remember any of Summer’s visits. Summer stabilized physically but had yet to smile, not even for Bonzo and his antics. It made Jimmy worry, though he remained aloof, hiding his feelings from the young woman and his own bandmates. Nothing seemed to be going right, nothing at all. Not even finding some place to take Summer, especially since Grant still fought him on returning with her to the States.
“Maybe she should come with me,” Bonzo commented, sucking on a cigarette outside the hospital.
Jimmy looked at him with disinterest all over his face, “What makes you think that?”
“Well… I know it can’t be easy for you to… you know… And Pat would take really good care of her. Or maybe she should spend some time with Jonesy,” he suggested.
“No,” the dark guitarist instantly declared. “I promised Summer I would take care of her, so I will do just that.”
“The doctor said she would be released tomorrow. Are you going to—”
“That is none of your concern, Bonzo.”
“Bloody hell it is! I love that girl too!” he bellowed.
“You have no—”
“Jimmy,” John Paul interrupted, “Summer is asking for you.”
Smirking at the drummer, he ground out his cigarette and headed back into the hospital. Without acknowledging anyone as he passed, Jimmy headed directly to the golden girl’s room. Pausing to snatch some flowers off a cart, he entered her room with a smile, albeit slightly forced. Her blue eyes met his and she smiled slightly, even more when she noticed the flowers in his hand.
“Jimmy.”
He kissed her forehead before setting the flowers on the bedside table, “Hello, princess.”
Her fingers intertwined with his as he sat on the edge of her bed, “They say I get to go home tomorrow.”
He nodded, “You do.”
“Do I really?”
He reached up and brushed a curl from her forehead, “I told you that I would take you home, so I will do so.”
“I need… sunshine and…” she frowned.
“What, darling?”
“I wish I could see my mom. Just one more time.”
He leaned over and kissed her gently, “I wish you could too.”
“She doesn’t even have… there’s no place…”
He quickly wiped her escaped tear, “That is something I will remedy as well. When we return to California, we will find an appropriate place to create her memorial. I promise you that.”
She sighed, “What about Queenie?”
“Um… well she’s been staying with Jonesy and his family. I’m sure they’ll give her back if you want.”
Summer paused, “His daughters are attached to her, aren’t they?”
“Likely, but I’m sure he will get them another dog.”
Her blue eyes left his, looking out the small window in her room. She pulled her hand free from his and turned on her side, her back facing him. For a long moment, Jimmy sat there, trying to read her thoughts from her back. He noticed her shoulders tremble slightly and instantly knew she was crying again. It seemed like anything he did or said made her cry. What good was he if he could not keep Summer from crying?
“Summer…”
She shook her head, “Don’t take Queenie from them. If she’s happy and they’re happy, don’t take her away.”
His hand touched her shoulder, “Whatever you wish, princess, is what I will do.”
“I think… I think I need to sleep some more.”
Sighing, he pulled his hand back, “As you wish. I will be near if you wish to see me again, Summer.”
She did not look at him as he stood and headed towards the door. His heart sank into his feet and he struggled to contain his emotions. Taking a moment to wipe his face clean of any reaction to her refusal of him, Jimmy headed out into the hallway. He intersected with John Paul and conveyed Summer’s wishes for her dog to remain with his daughters. Saying nothing else, he turned and headed up to visit Robert. Perhaps the singer would respond better to his presence than the little girl had.
Feeling rather pleased with himself for finding a solution to Summer’s request, Jimmy happily packed her belongings into her suitcase. The children visited her one last time before returning to London with Shirley, promising to send her drawings and letters in the mail. He wished he could take advantage of a night with Summer outside of the hospital and without Robert’s children around, though he knew she was a long ways away from being ready for sex. He just wanted to be alone with her, completely uninterrupted, showing her how much she meant to him.
But that was not meant to be. He had promised he would take her home from the hospital and she was being released mid-morning, so there was plenty of time to catch a plane. She might have understood his desire to spend time alone with her, but he did not want to press his luck. He promised to take her home, so that was precisely where she was going once she left the hospital.
Only he did not know how to explain to her that he would not be going with her.
It had not been his intention to put her on a plane to California without him, but it could not be avoided. Grant would not agree to his returning to the States just yet, especially with Robert still struggling in the hospital. It was probably wise to stay near his bandmate, especially since Maureen was even in a worse state in London. Robert needed some kind of support. And with tax laws, Jimmy would have to be careful where he stayed and for how long.
Truth be told the solution really had been Robert’s idea, though the blonde singer did not know it. He was more lucid, but no one mentioned Summer to him and certainly not the stillborn daughter. He had, however, mumbled a request of wanting to see Joni Mitchell as soon as they returned to California because if anyone could help him win back Summer, it was her. That was the moment Jimmy remembered that Joni promised Summer she was always welcome in her home.
A quick phone call was all it took to arrange Summer’s stay with the folksinger. It was a brilliant resolution. Summer would return to California and with Joni’s help, she would return to being the happy, cheerful, beautiful young woman he loved. He could remain in Jersey with Robert for a bit longer until they decided how to proceed with the band. Everything was finally working out. He was confident in his decisions.
And if anything, absence did make the heart grow fonder, so perhaps Summer would remember how she felt about him while he pined for her. He could only hope.
Finishing up the last of her packing a few moments before a knock at the door indicated his driver had arrived, Jimmy tucked one of his shirts in with her things, just in case. He carried her luggage to the door, handing it over to the suited man before heading towards the car himself. Settling in the back of the vehicle, Jimmy smiled to himself. He was fixing things, just like he promised.
Jimmy walked beside Summer’s wheelchair half an hour later, a small smile on his face. The young woman seemed to be in better spirits than she had been in days. He presumed it was because he told her that she was in fact going home. However, he had yet to inform her she would travel alone, thinking she would be fine with that as well. She was going home; that was all that mattered, right?
Slipping his arm around her shoulders once they settled in the back of the vehicle, Jimmy leaned over and kissed her temple. She turned her face towards his, smiling slightly still. He could still see the intense weariness in her soul, the dark cloud eclipsing her sun, but at least she was trying to smile. Quickly smiling himself, Jimmy leaned over and kissed her mouth gently, not pushing for anything more than a sweet kiss. Pulling out of the kiss, he smiled again once she leaned her head against his shoulder.
“I’m so ready to go home, Jimmy. Where are we going to be staying? Did you rent the same beach house as before?”
“Not precisely.”
“Some place else then? That’s probably a good idea,” she snuggled closer to him.
Jimmy remained silent, not sure how to break the news to her. Instead, he focused on how nicely she fit in his arms, how much he liked her being there. He was certainly aware of how her body was already beginning to change, but he said nothing. The doctors said her recovery would depend on a number of factors, but he did not want to bring that up either. He would tell Joni, of course, so she would be prepared for whatever may happen. But he did not want to bring Summer any more stress than she already had.
“Did the kids get home okay?” she asked.
“They did. Shirley said Maureen was responding well to treatment and hoped to take the children to see her soon. I am certain they will remove the casts before long as well, so they can go right back to being the hyperactive children they are,” he stated.
“Good…”
“And they will be sending you things as well. Those children love you,” Jimmy claimed before kissing the top of her head. “As well they should, you’re amazing with kids.”
She tensed slightly, “…thanks.”
Realizing what he said, he quickly tried to find a way to distract her from whatever dark thoughts associated with her and children. Before Jimmy could correct his faux pas, the car pulled up in front of the small airport. Seizing that opportunity, he pulled away from Summer after kissing her once more and climbed out of the car. Jimmy helped her out, brushed his lips across her forehead, and guided her towards the terminal. His body purposefully blocked her from glancing at the luggage as it was unloaded, as he did not want her to realize his suitcases were not included.
Jimmy led her up to the gate and sat with her amongst the hard plastic chairs to await boarding. Neither spoke, though she did cuddle against him once more. Relishing these final moments with Summer, he began to reconsider his choice to send her away alone. She should always be in his arms, even if he did not know what to say or do in this situation.
His thoughts were suddenly snapped to the moment when they announced boarding for Summer’s flight. Nodding, he stood up, kissed her quickly, and reached into his jacket for her ticket. Still saying nothing, he guided her up to the flight attendant. Handing the single ticket over to the brunette woman, Jimmy turned to Summer and kissed her again.
“I will ring you before sunset in California,” he declared.
Her eyes widened, “Wait, what? You’ll ring me? Why?”
“Summer, I cannot go with you.”
Tears instantly began to cloud the pools of her blue eyes, “Why not?”
“I have things I have to take care of first.”
“But…but…you promised…”
He leaned forward and kissed her softly, “And I am still taking care of you. You are going to go and stay with Joni until I have concluded the business I need to so that I can devote all my time to you. This was the single best thing I can do for you.”
“But… but…”
“Sweetheart, princess,” he wiped her tears, “Joni will be able to help you in ways I cannot. She can care for you like a mother would. You need that now.”
“I n-need you.”
“I will be with you again soon. I promise.”
“J-jimmy, you p-promised.”
“I am not breaking my promise to you, Summer. I will be with you again, soon. I am not abandoning you.”
“B-but…”
“Sir,” the flight attendant interrupted, “we are waiting on Miss Davis.”
Jimmy glanced at her briefly before returning his focus to crying Summer, “This is what you need, Summer. I will call you every day and see you again very soon.”
Not allowing her to object any more, he pressed her passport into her hand and turned her towards the open door. Summer gripped his hand tightly, not wanting to release it. Carefully Jimmy wiggled his fingers free and motioned for the flight attendant to guide Summer to her first class seat. With heavy heart, he turned away from the plane and walked away. He knew his choice had been the correct one for Summer. Seeing her crying like that made it difficult to follow through with, but he knew he was right.
At least he hoped he was.
After hours and hours of crying, Summer felt as if her eyes would never fully open again with as swollen as they were. Jimmy had not told her anything, much less what would happen when she arrived in Los Angeles. She presumed he arranged everything, that she would not need instruction. After all, he had put her on a plane by herself without telling her much of anything until that very moment.
What had she done that was so wrong that Jimmy would send her away like that?
Over and over she asked herself this question, until she passed out from sheer exhaustion during the flight. Being on a plane for over eighteen hours had left her plenty of time to cry and sleep. She could not change what was happening; she certainly could not turn around and go back. In fact, she was completely at the mercy of whatever Jimmy had planned. She really hoped whatever was going to happen would not be worse than… She just did not know how she could recover from this alone.
When the plane touched down in Los Angeles, Summer began to tremble slightly. She did not know if someone would be there to meet her or if she had to find some way to get from the airport to Joni’s house on her own. It terrified her. She had not been alone like this in… forever. How could Jimmy just put her on a plane and walk away? Did he know what he was doing to her?
Slowly getting up from her seat, she followed the other passengers out of the plane. Wishing she had sunglasses to cover up her red, swollen eyes, Summer shaded her eyes and glanced around the terminal, looking for some kind of sign as to what she was supposed to do. Before her gaze swept over the entire area, her heart stopped. Standing at the end of the pathway from the plane stood a very familiar, tall teenage boy. Dropping her hand from her eyes, Summer continued forward, squeezing between people. His eyes met hers a few moments before she reached him and he quickly opened his arms.
“I wasn’t expecting to see you… ever,” Summer muttered cautiously as he hugged her.
“Do you really think I would let you get away?” he asked, a tone in his voice she could not quite place.
“It’s been a long time, Quincy,” she responded, starting to feel a bit uneasy, especially since his arms were still around her.
He pulled back enough to play with her hair, “Whoever made you cry, will pay for it.”
“Um… what?”
“Jerry will see to it.”
Her eyes widened and she tried to pull out of his arms completely, “Excuse me? Did you say Jerry?”
“He’s been waiting for the right moment to bring you home to us, Summer,” he declared, his hands grabbing hers so she could not escape. “You’ve been chosen.”
“Chosen?” she whispered, not struggling for the moment.
He flashed her a charming smile, “You’ve been chosen to start the order all over. You were always his favorite of the breeder’s spaw— children.”
Summer stared at him, not blinking. She did not know what to think at all. Here she stood with the very person who assisted her in meeting in the band that changed her life, telling her he was forcing her back into the life she did not want. This was wrong, so very wrong. But if Jimmy had arranged everything, was he behind this as well? Had he sent her back, knowing the cult would take her back and try to… breed her? Was this Jimmy’s plan all along, now that he was done with her?
“Come along, Summer. We do not have much time,” he turned, tugging her away from the gate.
“My luggage…” she pulled slightly, hoping to get free in luggage claim to escape…whatever was happening.
“You know you do not need that where we are going,” Quincy retorted, forcing her in the other direction.
“Quincy, I don’t want—”
He discreetly elbowed her in the stomach, instantly making pain shoot through her body. From his very direct jab, Summer knew that he knew what she had recently been through. His elbow was carefully placed to cause the most pain in her delicate body. That alone set off a million warning bells inside her mind, but there was little she could do while he clutched her hand tightly and her other one held her stomach protectively. He tugged on her hand once more, indicating she would not be given more than a second to recover from the pain.
“Quincy, please,” she pleaded softly, her body still pulsing from his touch.
As he stopped to allow a family to hurry in front of them, Summer quickly looked around the terminal. Pain still raked her body, but she hoped to connect with someone, anyone, and silently ask for help. Her breath caught when her eyes connected with another pair of familiar eyes, only these eyes did not frighten her heart and soul at all. She truly saw her chance of salvation in that very moment. Saying nothing, she willed him to approach her, to interrupt, to do anything.
He seemed to read her thoughts and quickly approached the two, “Summer! There you are.”
“Cameron,” she did not hide the desperation in her voice, her free fingers reaching for him.
Quincy kept his grip on her other hand, “Who are you?”
The taller young adult looked to the other, his hand holding Summer’s, “I’m here to pick Summer up. Who the hell are you?”
“Her husband.”
Rating: PG-13 [language, drinking]
Summary: Summer learns of the stillborn baby. Jimmy struggles with handling such an emotional time, even when Jonesy and Bonzo show up to help. Summer returns to California...
In hindsight, it probably had not been a good idea to call one girlfriend when worrying about the other and asking for advice. Yet Jimmy usually followed instincts and that had meant the phone call to Charlotte. She had not hung up the phone, but she had a few choice words to say before he had the chance to remind her that the child had been Robert’s. Weathering that, he hoped she would have some good, decent advice, but she did not.
Hanging up the phone, Jimmy paced away. He pushed aside the thought of calling Grant, really thinking it would be more foolish than calling Charlotte. In reality though, if anyone could feasibly do something for Summer, it would be the band manager. Gritting his teeth, he snatched up the phone and dialed the last known number for the band manager. After two rings, the gruff man answered. Jimmy quickly and calmly explained the situation to the manager, practically holding his breath with anticipation.
“Clearly you will have to assess her needs and make your decision from that,” Peter declared.
“But…”
“Go talk to her, Jimmy. Ring me again afterwards.”
He sighed, “Okay.”
Hanging up the phone, he stepped into the hall. His dark eyes instantly found the nurse. She nodded and motioned for him, quickly leading the way. Stopping outside the door, she once more explained Summer’s condition to the musician before stepping aside to allow his entry. Taking a deep breath, Jimmy pushed open the door and stepped into the hospital room.
Even with the nurse’s explanation, he had not been prepared for what he saw. Wires and tubes snaked out of Summer’s veins, some connected to bags, and some connected to machines monitoring her. Her normally soft peach, porcelain skin had no luminosity or color at all. If it were not for the sounds of the machines, he would wonder if she were even alive. The scene completely terrified him, similar in the way that seeing Robert in a similar situation did.
He felt completely and utterly helpless.
Her mumble and wiggle snapped his attention to her. He quickly forced a smile, hoping it would put her at ease. Her eyes fluttered open and struggled to focus, wildly glancing around the room before finding him. Still smiling, Jimmy approached her bedside, pulled a stool next to it, and sat. His fingers reached for hers, but he did not speak. He did not have any idea what to even say.
“J-jimmy?” Summer finally muttered.
“I’m here, princess,” he responded, his thumb caressing the back of her hand.
“What… where am I?” she breathed.
“You’re in the hospital. In Jersey.”
“Where Robert is?”
He nodded, not sure if he should tell her any more.
Her blue eyes broke away from his and glanced around. Watching thoughts flit across her face, Jimmy could tell she was trying to figure out what had happened, why she was in the hospital bed. She pulled her fingers from his and pressed her hand to her abdomen as her eyes closed. Jimmy held his breath, waiting out her realization.
“I…I’m so empty,” she breathed. “The baby…”
“Princess,” he whispered, covering her hand with his own, “I… I’m so sorry.”
She inhaled sharply, “The baby… is she…?”
Jimmy swallowed, trying to bide time to inform her what happened, “Summer…”
Her eyes opened, brimming with tears, and she looked directly at him, “Tell me.”
“She was… there was not a thing they could do for her. She was… too young and…”
“What?”
“Summer, sweetie, you should rest more,” he responded.
“Tell me, Jimmy.”
He sighed, “Very well. Summer, the baby… was stillborn.”
She blinked, saying nothing.
“They said you had severe placental abruption and…”
“What does… what does that mean?”
“The placenta completely detached from your uterine lining and… the baby…”
Her bottom lip trembled, “I killed my baby?”
“No, no, no,” he reached up and wiped her falling tears. “Not at all.”
“But… but…” she sobbed.
Jimmy leaned over and kissed her frown gently, “It was nothing that you did, Summer. It just happened. These things happen. It’s nothing that you did.”
“Jimmy…”
Silently, he shifted off the stool and sat on the edge of her bed. Carefully, Jimmy slipped his arms around her and pulled her close. Though he was afraid of hurting her, he was also aware that she was on a lot of drugs and likely would not feel any physical pain. He needed to ease the pain in her heart and soul; the only option he saw in the moment was to hold her while she cried.
“Summer,” he brushed her blonde curls from her face before they stuck to her tear-streaked cheeks, “what can I do for you, princess?”
“T-take m-me….h-home.”
Trying to ascertain what Summer considered home was not simple, not in the least. He knew it was not London, as she had only been in a hotel there. And it was not the cottage they rented now, he thought. Maybe the hotel back in New York? But no, she had not seemed completely at ease there either. This pointed to one location alone: California.
Only she did not really have a home there either.
Sighing, Jimmy sipped his glass of whiskey and glanced out into the living room where Robert’s children played. He did not want to tell them that he had to take Summer away from them. They adored her, with good reason. But he did not think she would be in the right place to care for the two young children, especially as her body healed from its trauma. Never before had Jimmy felt so challenged in dealing with… anything. Band matters seemed effortless compared to this. How was he supposed to take care of Summer?
Reaching to fill his glass once more, he jumped slightly when the phone rang. Finishing pouring before reaching for the phone, he drolly greeted the caller. Sipping his drink, he tried to frame his explanation to John Paul about the status of things.
“Robert is…improving,” he declared.
“But?” the bassist responded.
“Summer… is not.”
There was a long pause before he asked what was wrong with the Californian girl. With a sigh, Jimmy explained the loss of the baby and her response thus far. He fell silent at the end of the tale, hoping the bassist would interject with some advice, especially since he was surrounded by girls all the time.
“You have to take her back to California, Jimmy.”
“But where? I cannot take her back to her family, unless I suppose, Bob would take her. I do not think that is a prudent action,” he responded.
“Rent another house there.”
He paused, “Taxes.”
“Which is more important, Jimmy: that girl’s well being or a few thousand dollars?”
He sighed and took another drink of whiskey, “Grant is fighting me on it.”
“Which is more important: Summer or Grant?”
“Jonesy…”
“You know it’s the right thing to do.”
“What about Robert? And his children?”
“Maureen’s sister can take care of the children. And Robert will be well taken care of at the hospital. You know that.”
Suddenly realizing he must have sounded pathetic or desperate or something of that sort, Jimmy finished his drink quickly before replying, “Nothing to worry about. I’ll handle things.”
“Yes, of course. I’m sure Bonzo will want to see Summer. I will bring him along.”
His eyes widened slightly, “There is no reason to cut your family holidays short.”
“Nonsense. Summer is a part of our families too. We will be there tomorrow.”
Jimmy paused briefly before muttering, “Thank you, Jonesy.”
The next few days passed in a blur. Robert seemed to be improving but did not remember any of Summer’s visits. Summer stabilized physically but had yet to smile, not even for Bonzo and his antics. It made Jimmy worry, though he remained aloof, hiding his feelings from the young woman and his own bandmates. Nothing seemed to be going right, nothing at all. Not even finding some place to take Summer, especially since Grant still fought him on returning with her to the States.
“Maybe she should come with me,” Bonzo commented, sucking on a cigarette outside the hospital.
Jimmy looked at him with disinterest all over his face, “What makes you think that?”
“Well… I know it can’t be easy for you to… you know… And Pat would take really good care of her. Or maybe she should spend some time with Jonesy,” he suggested.
“No,” the dark guitarist instantly declared. “I promised Summer I would take care of her, so I will do just that.”
“The doctor said she would be released tomorrow. Are you going to—”
“That is none of your concern, Bonzo.”
“Bloody hell it is! I love that girl too!” he bellowed.
“You have no—”
“Jimmy,” John Paul interrupted, “Summer is asking for you.”
Smirking at the drummer, he ground out his cigarette and headed back into the hospital. Without acknowledging anyone as he passed, Jimmy headed directly to the golden girl’s room. Pausing to snatch some flowers off a cart, he entered her room with a smile, albeit slightly forced. Her blue eyes met his and she smiled slightly, even more when she noticed the flowers in his hand.
“Jimmy.”
He kissed her forehead before setting the flowers on the bedside table, “Hello, princess.”
Her fingers intertwined with his as he sat on the edge of her bed, “They say I get to go home tomorrow.”
He nodded, “You do.”
“Do I really?”
He reached up and brushed a curl from her forehead, “I told you that I would take you home, so I will do so.”
“I need… sunshine and…” she frowned.
“What, darling?”
“I wish I could see my mom. Just one more time.”
He leaned over and kissed her gently, “I wish you could too.”
“She doesn’t even have… there’s no place…”
He quickly wiped her escaped tear, “That is something I will remedy as well. When we return to California, we will find an appropriate place to create her memorial. I promise you that.”
She sighed, “What about Queenie?”
“Um… well she’s been staying with Jonesy and his family. I’m sure they’ll give her back if you want.”
Summer paused, “His daughters are attached to her, aren’t they?”
“Likely, but I’m sure he will get them another dog.”
Her blue eyes left his, looking out the small window in her room. She pulled her hand free from his and turned on her side, her back facing him. For a long moment, Jimmy sat there, trying to read her thoughts from her back. He noticed her shoulders tremble slightly and instantly knew she was crying again. It seemed like anything he did or said made her cry. What good was he if he could not keep Summer from crying?
“Summer…”
She shook her head, “Don’t take Queenie from them. If she’s happy and they’re happy, don’t take her away.”
His hand touched her shoulder, “Whatever you wish, princess, is what I will do.”
“I think… I think I need to sleep some more.”
Sighing, he pulled his hand back, “As you wish. I will be near if you wish to see me again, Summer.”
She did not look at him as he stood and headed towards the door. His heart sank into his feet and he struggled to contain his emotions. Taking a moment to wipe his face clean of any reaction to her refusal of him, Jimmy headed out into the hallway. He intersected with John Paul and conveyed Summer’s wishes for her dog to remain with his daughters. Saying nothing else, he turned and headed up to visit Robert. Perhaps the singer would respond better to his presence than the little girl had.
Feeling rather pleased with himself for finding a solution to Summer’s request, Jimmy happily packed her belongings into her suitcase. The children visited her one last time before returning to London with Shirley, promising to send her drawings and letters in the mail. He wished he could take advantage of a night with Summer outside of the hospital and without Robert’s children around, though he knew she was a long ways away from being ready for sex. He just wanted to be alone with her, completely uninterrupted, showing her how much she meant to him.
But that was not meant to be. He had promised he would take her home from the hospital and she was being released mid-morning, so there was plenty of time to catch a plane. She might have understood his desire to spend time alone with her, but he did not want to press his luck. He promised to take her home, so that was precisely where she was going once she left the hospital.
Only he did not know how to explain to her that he would not be going with her.
It had not been his intention to put her on a plane to California without him, but it could not be avoided. Grant would not agree to his returning to the States just yet, especially with Robert still struggling in the hospital. It was probably wise to stay near his bandmate, especially since Maureen was even in a worse state in London. Robert needed some kind of support. And with tax laws, Jimmy would have to be careful where he stayed and for how long.
Truth be told the solution really had been Robert’s idea, though the blonde singer did not know it. He was more lucid, but no one mentioned Summer to him and certainly not the stillborn daughter. He had, however, mumbled a request of wanting to see Joni Mitchell as soon as they returned to California because if anyone could help him win back Summer, it was her. That was the moment Jimmy remembered that Joni promised Summer she was always welcome in her home.
A quick phone call was all it took to arrange Summer’s stay with the folksinger. It was a brilliant resolution. Summer would return to California and with Joni’s help, she would return to being the happy, cheerful, beautiful young woman he loved. He could remain in Jersey with Robert for a bit longer until they decided how to proceed with the band. Everything was finally working out. He was confident in his decisions.
And if anything, absence did make the heart grow fonder, so perhaps Summer would remember how she felt about him while he pined for her. He could only hope.
Finishing up the last of her packing a few moments before a knock at the door indicated his driver had arrived, Jimmy tucked one of his shirts in with her things, just in case. He carried her luggage to the door, handing it over to the suited man before heading towards the car himself. Settling in the back of the vehicle, Jimmy smiled to himself. He was fixing things, just like he promised.
Jimmy walked beside Summer’s wheelchair half an hour later, a small smile on his face. The young woman seemed to be in better spirits than she had been in days. He presumed it was because he told her that she was in fact going home. However, he had yet to inform her she would travel alone, thinking she would be fine with that as well. She was going home; that was all that mattered, right?
Slipping his arm around her shoulders once they settled in the back of the vehicle, Jimmy leaned over and kissed her temple. She turned her face towards his, smiling slightly still. He could still see the intense weariness in her soul, the dark cloud eclipsing her sun, but at least she was trying to smile. Quickly smiling himself, Jimmy leaned over and kissed her mouth gently, not pushing for anything more than a sweet kiss. Pulling out of the kiss, he smiled again once she leaned her head against his shoulder.
“I’m so ready to go home, Jimmy. Where are we going to be staying? Did you rent the same beach house as before?”
“Not precisely.”
“Some place else then? That’s probably a good idea,” she snuggled closer to him.
Jimmy remained silent, not sure how to break the news to her. Instead, he focused on how nicely she fit in his arms, how much he liked her being there. He was certainly aware of how her body was already beginning to change, but he said nothing. The doctors said her recovery would depend on a number of factors, but he did not want to bring that up either. He would tell Joni, of course, so she would be prepared for whatever may happen. But he did not want to bring Summer any more stress than she already had.
“Did the kids get home okay?” she asked.
“They did. Shirley said Maureen was responding well to treatment and hoped to take the children to see her soon. I am certain they will remove the casts before long as well, so they can go right back to being the hyperactive children they are,” he stated.
“Good…”
“And they will be sending you things as well. Those children love you,” Jimmy claimed before kissing the top of her head. “As well they should, you’re amazing with kids.”
She tensed slightly, “…thanks.”
Realizing what he said, he quickly tried to find a way to distract her from whatever dark thoughts associated with her and children. Before Jimmy could correct his faux pas, the car pulled up in front of the small airport. Seizing that opportunity, he pulled away from Summer after kissing her once more and climbed out of the car. Jimmy helped her out, brushed his lips across her forehead, and guided her towards the terminal. His body purposefully blocked her from glancing at the luggage as it was unloaded, as he did not want her to realize his suitcases were not included.
Jimmy led her up to the gate and sat with her amongst the hard plastic chairs to await boarding. Neither spoke, though she did cuddle against him once more. Relishing these final moments with Summer, he began to reconsider his choice to send her away alone. She should always be in his arms, even if he did not know what to say or do in this situation.
His thoughts were suddenly snapped to the moment when they announced boarding for Summer’s flight. Nodding, he stood up, kissed her quickly, and reached into his jacket for her ticket. Still saying nothing, he guided her up to the flight attendant. Handing the single ticket over to the brunette woman, Jimmy turned to Summer and kissed her again.
“I will ring you before sunset in California,” he declared.
Her eyes widened, “Wait, what? You’ll ring me? Why?”
“Summer, I cannot go with you.”
Tears instantly began to cloud the pools of her blue eyes, “Why not?”
“I have things I have to take care of first.”
“But…but…you promised…”
He leaned forward and kissed her softly, “And I am still taking care of you. You are going to go and stay with Joni until I have concluded the business I need to so that I can devote all my time to you. This was the single best thing I can do for you.”
“But… but…”
“Sweetheart, princess,” he wiped her tears, “Joni will be able to help you in ways I cannot. She can care for you like a mother would. You need that now.”
“I n-need you.”
“I will be with you again soon. I promise.”
“J-jimmy, you p-promised.”
“I am not breaking my promise to you, Summer. I will be with you again, soon. I am not abandoning you.”
“B-but…”
“Sir,” the flight attendant interrupted, “we are waiting on Miss Davis.”
Jimmy glanced at her briefly before returning his focus to crying Summer, “This is what you need, Summer. I will call you every day and see you again very soon.”
Not allowing her to object any more, he pressed her passport into her hand and turned her towards the open door. Summer gripped his hand tightly, not wanting to release it. Carefully Jimmy wiggled his fingers free and motioned for the flight attendant to guide Summer to her first class seat. With heavy heart, he turned away from the plane and walked away. He knew his choice had been the correct one for Summer. Seeing her crying like that made it difficult to follow through with, but he knew he was right.
At least he hoped he was.
After hours and hours of crying, Summer felt as if her eyes would never fully open again with as swollen as they were. Jimmy had not told her anything, much less what would happen when she arrived in Los Angeles. She presumed he arranged everything, that she would not need instruction. After all, he had put her on a plane by herself without telling her much of anything until that very moment.
What had she done that was so wrong that Jimmy would send her away like that?
Over and over she asked herself this question, until she passed out from sheer exhaustion during the flight. Being on a plane for over eighteen hours had left her plenty of time to cry and sleep. She could not change what was happening; she certainly could not turn around and go back. In fact, she was completely at the mercy of whatever Jimmy had planned. She really hoped whatever was going to happen would not be worse than… She just did not know how she could recover from this alone.
When the plane touched down in Los Angeles, Summer began to tremble slightly. She did not know if someone would be there to meet her or if she had to find some way to get from the airport to Joni’s house on her own. It terrified her. She had not been alone like this in… forever. How could Jimmy just put her on a plane and walk away? Did he know what he was doing to her?
Slowly getting up from her seat, she followed the other passengers out of the plane. Wishing she had sunglasses to cover up her red, swollen eyes, Summer shaded her eyes and glanced around the terminal, looking for some kind of sign as to what she was supposed to do. Before her gaze swept over the entire area, her heart stopped. Standing at the end of the pathway from the plane stood a very familiar, tall teenage boy. Dropping her hand from her eyes, Summer continued forward, squeezing between people. His eyes met hers a few moments before she reached him and he quickly opened his arms.
“I wasn’t expecting to see you… ever,” Summer muttered cautiously as he hugged her.
“Do you really think I would let you get away?” he asked, a tone in his voice she could not quite place.
“It’s been a long time, Quincy,” she responded, starting to feel a bit uneasy, especially since his arms were still around her.
He pulled back enough to play with her hair, “Whoever made you cry, will pay for it.”
“Um… what?”
“Jerry will see to it.”
Her eyes widened and she tried to pull out of his arms completely, “Excuse me? Did you say Jerry?”
“He’s been waiting for the right moment to bring you home to us, Summer,” he declared, his hands grabbing hers so she could not escape. “You’ve been chosen.”
“Chosen?” she whispered, not struggling for the moment.
He flashed her a charming smile, “You’ve been chosen to start the order all over. You were always his favorite of the breeder’s spaw— children.”
Summer stared at him, not blinking. She did not know what to think at all. Here she stood with the very person who assisted her in meeting in the band that changed her life, telling her he was forcing her back into the life she did not want. This was wrong, so very wrong. But if Jimmy had arranged everything, was he behind this as well? Had he sent her back, knowing the cult would take her back and try to… breed her? Was this Jimmy’s plan all along, now that he was done with her?
“Come along, Summer. We do not have much time,” he turned, tugging her away from the gate.
“My luggage…” she pulled slightly, hoping to get free in luggage claim to escape…whatever was happening.
“You know you do not need that where we are going,” Quincy retorted, forcing her in the other direction.
“Quincy, I don’t want—”
He discreetly elbowed her in the stomach, instantly making pain shoot through her body. From his very direct jab, Summer knew that he knew what she had recently been through. His elbow was carefully placed to cause the most pain in her delicate body. That alone set off a million warning bells inside her mind, but there was little she could do while he clutched her hand tightly and her other one held her stomach protectively. He tugged on her hand once more, indicating she would not be given more than a second to recover from the pain.
“Quincy, please,” she pleaded softly, her body still pulsing from his touch.
As he stopped to allow a family to hurry in front of them, Summer quickly looked around the terminal. Pain still raked her body, but she hoped to connect with someone, anyone, and silently ask for help. Her breath caught when her eyes connected with another pair of familiar eyes, only these eyes did not frighten her heart and soul at all. She truly saw her chance of salvation in that very moment. Saying nothing, she willed him to approach her, to interrupt, to do anything.
He seemed to read her thoughts and quickly approached the two, “Summer! There you are.”
“Cameron,” she did not hide the desperation in her voice, her free fingers reaching for him.
Quincy kept his grip on her other hand, “Who are you?”
The taller young adult looked to the other, his hand holding Summer’s, “I’m here to pick Summer up. Who the hell are you?”
“Her husband.”
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