Andrew Adams, known and referred to by most as either Drew or Andy, has never lived what anyone might call a charmed life. Growing up he had a good relationship with his parents but things were tough. The Adams family was never what anyone would have called rich, even though both parents worked full time positions trying to support the household. Drew’s father Mike was a line cook and his mother was a waitress. Even though they could barely afford their bills and sometimes failed to make ends meet, they loved Drew and his little sister more than anything and always did their best to give them their best.
Drew is nearly eight years older than his sister, but the two are also very close. During their childhoods, their parents had to work a lot, always picking up extra shifts and working extra hours as they attempted to catch up on bills. That left Drew to help raise his little sister, and a lot of the time he took on the brunt of those responsibilities, in addition to the daily responsibilities and chores around the house. However Drew never felt bitter about this and believes it only strengthened his bond with his sister and family as a whole.
School was never something Drew put a lot of stock in. It wasn’t that he wasn’t smart, but more that he never found what was being taught to be important, so he put in as little effort as possible, just enough to pass. Even though his family encouraged him to apply himself and do better than just the minimum, Drew was always more interested in other things. Even though his parents worked a lot, they always did their best to make time for their kids and family activities, giving them as much attention as they could. Drew’s favorite thing to do with his father was to work on the family’s car, and several older motorcycles they’d pick the parts for from the local junkyard. This was where Drew’s love for the mechanics field began, and he has many fond memories of working in their garage with his father. It is a hobby he has continued into adulthood, and enjoys purchasing and rebuilding classic motorcycles.
After graduating high school, Drew immediately pursued his certifications in auto mechanics, passing trade school with flying colors and finally coming out at the top of a class. Things were going well, and as soon as he passed his courses, he took a job at Snowbury Auto, which was owned by an older local at the time. But, two years after he started working, things took a turn for the worst. Drew’s father got sick, and became unable to work. His mother nearly lost everything, including their home. Drew couldn’t let this happen, especially since his younger sister was still not even in high school. Knowing he had to do something, he fell in with an unsavory crowd, participating in illegal activities like small-time drug dealing and stealing cars for cash, just needing to help his mother save the family home and carry his sister through school, and to pay for his father’s accumulating medical bills. Things were easier for a while, and the money was good.
Once everything was situated with his family, Drew promised himself he’d quit the things he’d been up to, not ever wanting to be a criminal, and having done everything out of desperation and concern for his family. And he did try, but soon found out things weren’t going to be that easy. The leader of the “gang” he’d found himself involved with wasn’t going to let him go, but soon came up with a compromise of sorts. He gave Drew one final job, to drive the getaway car after a B&E on one of the richest families in Snowbury. Drew agreed even though he didn’t feel right about it, convincing himself it would be worth it to get out. However, the job did not go as planned. Although they should have been, none of the group planned for a silent alarm system, and they weren’t prepared for security cameras lining the property. While those participating in the activity searched the home, Drew waited outside. But, only a few minutes in, his conscience got the better of him, and he decided to leave, abandoning the car and choosing to deal with whatever consequences would come from the higher-ups.
This proved to be a fatal mistake. As soon as the other members realized that the cops were approaching, they ran, scattering. Drew was picked up just down the street from the home, and due to his known affiliation with the “gang” was promptly arrested. The cops were only able to arrest one other person involved in the B&E, and the man pointed all fingers at Drew, who was refusing to snitch or give up names. Therefore, Drew was arrested, and sentenced to eight years in prison. However, he was released after only five due to overcrowding, and for being a model inmate during his time inside.
At the news of Drew’s arrest, his mother and sister were heartbroken, neither of them having known about what Drew had been doing to earn the money that kept them afloat. But, they believed him when he said he’d tried to get out, and that he’d had no part in the actual B&E. They both supported him through his time, and were there when he got out. In fact, they supported him so much that they made sure no one in town was aware of exactly where Drew was. Sure the town was more than aware that he’d been arrested, but both women swore up and down he’d been released. Their cover story was that he’d left town to take care of his grandmother in her time of need, and this was something people accepted. During his time on the inside, Drew’s father passed from the illness that had taken the last few good years of his life, and not being able to be there for him or the rest of his family is something Drew carries around, and deeply regrets.
Once he was released, he moved back in with his mother and sister. Though by this time his sister was 17 and very near high school graduation. Opposite of Drew, his sister really applied herself when it came to school, and by the time she graduated she had more than one full-ride scholarship offer from out of state colleges. She accepted, and moved out to begin her own life. Although she kept in touch, things weren’t the same, and Drew missed her greatly. Having resumed his job at the auto shop, he did his best to carry on and keep his head down, doing everything he needed and what was expected of him.
Two years after his release, Drew’s grandmother (whom he’d only met a handful of times and had spent very little time with) passed away. Surprisingly to all, she’d left Drew and his sister both considerable sums of money, money no one really even knew she had. Funnelling everything into a savings account, Drew continued to live as modestly as possible. Then, when he was 29, Drew’s mother passed away. With both parents gone and his sister away at college, he did his best to carry on, focusing on work like he never had before. During this time, he began to get really close with the owner of Snowbury Auto. In many ways the man reminded Drew of his own father, and he needed someone to take care of in his life, never having not been a caregiver in some capacity.
So, when the owner passed away when Drew was 33, he found himself heartbroken and lost once more. Though, as luck would have it, there was a silver lining. After all the time they’d spent together, the man had come to see Drew as the son he never had. Ultimately, he willed Snowbury Auto to Drew, leaving the shop in his capable hands, knowing he’d take care of it and love it as the man would have wanted.
Taking over the auto shop, Drew sold his family home, finding the memories too much to bear. He purchased a cabin, on the very outskirts of town, just inside a very wooded and secluded area where he lives comfortably, yet in a very rustic way. After everything he’s experienced Drew has become very withdrawn and guarded, not knowing how to really let people in and afraid to get too close to anyone who might leave him. Though he talks to his sister every day, he has not seen her in the better part of two years. He wants desperately to believe in soulmates, and to believe that there is someone out there for him. But, he’s quickly losing faith, having been alone for so long and with no prospects in sight.
