The Life of Abby

Chapter 3

Abby and Derek walked back to their trailer, Trystan following closely behind with their food. As they approached the door, Abby took a deep breath, feeling a sense of relief that they were finally home. She unlocked the door and turned to Trystan, "Thank you, but I got it from here." Trystan looked uncertain, but Abby assured him, "Absolutely. Thank you again." She quickly took the food bag from him and ushered Derek inside.

As they entered the trailer, Abby began to get plates ready for their picnic. But before they could start eating, they heard a car pulling up outside. Abby's heart sank, hoping it wasn't her mother, but instead, she saw her father walking towards the door. He looked tired and stressed, but his eyes softened as he saw his children.

Abby's father was a kind man, always trying to do his best for his family. He was tall, with dark brown hair and warm honey-colored eyes that seemed to see right through to Abby's soul. Despite his rough exterior, he had a gentle touch and a deep love for his children. As he entered the trailer, he set his keys down on the counter and sat down at the small table, looking exhausted.

Abby's father asked about her mother's whereabouts, and Abby replied matter-of-factly, "Probably at the bar, like every Friday night." She then invited him to join their picnic, and he smiled, accepting the offer. Together, they prepared the supplies, and Abby's father helped carry everything out the back door.

As they walked through the fields, the warm sun and gentle breeze created a peaceful atmosphere. After a few miles, they found the perfect spot to set up their picnic. Abby's father helped spread out the blanket, and they fixed plates for everyone. Drinks were handed out, and Lily was given her bottle. The scene was serene, with Abby's father enjoying quality time with his children, creating a sense of normalcy amidst their chaotic home life.

As they sat together in the field, Abby's father asked about her day at school, taking a sip of his lemonade. Abby shared about the new student in her class, and her father laughed when she mentioned Trystan's gentlemanly behavior. They continued eating and chatting, enjoying each other's company.

However, the mood shifted when Abby's father mentioned that they would be staying at their grandmother's house for the weekend. He looked down, ashamed, and Abby knew exactly why - so her parents could indulge in their vices without interruption. The rest of the meal was eaten in silence.

After finishing, they cleaned up, and Abby's father carried Lily back home without a word. Abby quickly washed the dishes and then began packing bags for the weekend, her mind wandering to the impending stay at her grandmother's house.

Derek eagerly picked out his clothes for the weekend, choosing items that were a bit too big for him, including a warm jacket for the winter weather and his only pair of socks. Abby smiled as she pulled out outfits for Lily and headed to the kitchen to gather her formula and bottles. She double-checked to ensure they had everything needed for their weekend stay with their grandmother.

Just as Abby finished packing, a sleek black Audi A5 pulled into the dirt driveway. "Grandma!" Abby and Derek exclaimed in unison, excitement radiating from their faces.

Their grandmother, a stunning woman with impeccable style, stepped out of the car. She wore a chic black dress, heels, and had her hair perfectly coiffed. As a successful fashion designer, she exuded elegance and sophistication. Her fashion line, launched when she was 30, had taken off when she was 50, and she was now a renowned name in the industry.

However, despite her glamorous appearance and high-end lifestyle, their grandmother seemed oblivious to the struggles her grandchildren faced. As she took a deep breath, the smell of drugs wafting from the trailer should have raised concerns, but she appeared unfazed. Her focus remained on her fashion designs, and she seemed to turn a blind eye to the harsh realities of her grandchildren's lives.

The kids eagerly greeted their grandmother, unaffected by her lack of concern for their situation. They loved her dearly, and she always showed up when they needed her most. Abby and Derek ran out of the house, embracing their grandmother before she could even shut her car door.

Abby, with her striking ash-blonde hair, blue eyes, and rosy cheeks, looked up at her grandmother with a hint of concern. "Grandma, I called you this morning. Why didn't you call me back?" Her grandmother gently petted her head, offering comfort. Abby's natural beauty was undeniable, but her mother's constant criticism had left her lacking confidence. Her slender body and curves, reminiscent of a model's, seemed to go unnoticed by her, overshadowed by self-doubt.

Abby's grandmother smiled warmly as she explained, "I got your message, darling. Why do you think I'm here? I called your father and told him I'm taking you three for the weekend." She then walked into the house, her presence commanding attention. Abby's father, sitting on the couch with his head hung low, seemed to sense her anger and discomfort.

After a prolonged silence, he finally spoke up, "Thank you for taking the kids, Mom." Abby's grandmother responded curtly, "Yeah, yeah, don't mention it. I'll always have time for my grandbabies." She then instructed the children, "Come on, kids, it's time to go. Please wait for me in the car. I need to talk with your father."

Abby gently picked up Lily and carried her to the car, which was already equipped with car seats for both Lily and Derek. She carefully fastened Lily into her seat and then moved to the other side to do the same for Derek, ensuring their safety for the journey ahead.