Summary: Sean's gone. The doctors say Jimmy's going to be okay. Jay couldn't care less. Degrassi Community School is shaken to its foundations. And Spinner is being eating alive by guilt.
Author's Notes: Seeing as I'm American, though I've read spoilers about what happens after Back in Black, this is my own continuation. So, anything that occurred in any episode after Back in Black might be borrowed in this fic, but not necessarily. Also: as far as I've seen, the most we've seen of Spinner's house is his room... I could be wrong... Let me know if I'm way off base here... Anyway, in my universe, Spinner's drum kit is in the basement.
Disclaimer: I don't own the characters of Degrassi, or the concept or anything like that. I don't know any of the actors, writers, directors or anything. I wish I owned Spinner, or knew Shane Kippel, but I don't. So get over it. :D
Chapter One: When I get to the Bottom
He sat down at the drum kit, twirled one of the sticks, and began to play. The cymbals all swung like they were alive; each crazy change in direction punctuated by a sharp crash as the stick glanced off the metal.
This was one of those songs that had drums so intense that any self-respecting drummer could find no song better therapeutic. Many songs from the sixties had a tendency to be so violent. No one really cared about decibel levels and early deafness in the sixties. It was all about whom could be louder, and whose loudness could last longer.
"GAVIN! Would you please stop?!"
One of the sticks fell out of his right hand, clanged against the ride cymbal, and clattered to the floor. It took him a few moments to realize that there were tears running down his face. He dropped the other drumstick, and rubbed hastily at his cheeks. He ran a hand through his hair, and then, without thinking, kicked his left foot aggressively, knocking over his hi-hat with a crash.
"Gavin!"
Spinner stood from his stool, and stormed upstairs, one hand still against his cheek.
"Gavin, what's wrong?"
Spinner ignored his mother, and entered his room. He grabbed his jacket, and spun.
Kendra stood in his doorway, frowning.
"What?" He said, not really expecting an answer, and more just wanting her to move.
"What's going on?" She asked.
"Nothing. I'm going to the hospital."
"Spinner..."
"Move." His voice was cold.
There was a short pause as she simply stood there and looked at him. He figured she was hurt. He really didn't care. After another moment, she finally stepped to the side, and he barreled past her and out the front door.
---
Spinner gulped when he saw Hazel standing with Jimmy's parents outside the room. He seriously considered turning around, going back home, returning to his drum kit and pounding away his fears and his guilt.
Unfortunately, Hazel turned and saw him. She came to him, and threw her arms around him. Spinner gulped again. She had no idea. If she knew the truth, she wouldn't be hugging him; she'd have hit him. He deserved that. Not hugs. He briefly considered telling her, but Mrs. Brooks came, and pulled him into another hug. He felt one more tear run down his cheek without his permission.
"How is he?" He said. His throat was so tight; it came out more like a whisper.
Hazel grabbed his wrist, and pulled him down the hall towards the room.
"The doctors say he'll be okay." Mrs. Brooks answered.
"Can I go in?"
Mr. Brooks nodded, and Spinner entered the sterile hospital room. Jimmy was flat on his back, tubes and wires snaking around and over his prone form. Spinner choked back a sob. He collapsed into one of the chairs by the bed, and buried his head in his hands, tangling his hair in his fingers.
"I'm sorry." He whispered to his deaf best friend. "I'm so sorry."