Alive and Breathing (Adopted By Alex Gaskarth)

Chapter Ten

TW: talk of self harm

Morgan

I'm not gonna lie. I was exhausted. The hospital sent the wheelchair with us since tour does require a lot of walking and right now the best thing I can do for my body is rest and not overwork my lungs. Just because I was supposed to rest didn't mean I wasn't going to try my best to live my life as full as I could. Andy was disguised for the show since he wasn't due to play until later that night. He was taking me into the crowd to watch State Champs, Sleeping With Sirens, and, of course, All Time Low.

I was having a good time smiling and singing along to each and every song. Oxygen tubes were in my nose since ya know my body likes to randomly make me black out without them. It was hot. We had water bottles shoved in Andy's backpack. This girl bumped into me and almost fell. Andy caught her and steadied her but in the process his sunglasses fell off. The girl froze shocked. She was wearing a ripped up tank that was likely bootlegged All Time Low mercy with a pair of short shorts. She had an emo style haircut that was kind of jagged and wild. Her hair was a bright blueish green color. She had thick eyeliner on her eyes. "Oh my god,"she whispered. I quickly bent over, trying not to give myself a head rush, while I grabbed Andy's sunglasses which he hurried to shove back onto his face.

The girl had dozens of thick band bracelets on her wrists, definitely more covering her right wrist. I couldn't help but wonder if she had struggled or was struggling with self harm. "Hey, what's your name?"I asked gently. "Sara,"she replied. "Sara, my name is Morgan. Do you want to hang out with us?"I asked as sweetly as I could with a smile. Andy looked skeptical as though he was wondering what the fuck I was thinking. Sara smiled and nodded. As those few bands went off stage, I looked at Andy and nodded.

"Hey, Sara, why don't you join us?"I asked. "Are you sure? I don't want to impose,"she said. "Of course I'm sure silly,"I replied. Sara seemed timid and scared but she followed Andy and I as Andy wheeled my along back to the band tents. I asked Andy if he could grab me some Cheezits from the All Time Low bus and sat alone with Sara. "So, what's your story?"I asked her. "Oh, ya know, it's kind of a long story,"she shrugged. Her eyes told me she wanted to spill but the other said she wasn't sure if she trusted me. "I'll tell mine if you tell yours?"I asked. She nodded so I began.

"I was left on the front steps of a firehouse when I was 9 months old. No last name. No note. Nothing. Come to find out I was born with Cystic Fibrosis which is a terminal illness that will likely take me out sooner or later hence the wheelchair and oxygen tubes. Those are new. I was okay until the other day when I passed out backstage. I was adopted by Alex Gaskarth a few weeks ago. I was living in an orphanage with a shitty abusive house mother,"I said. "Woah, that's insane,"Sara said. She took in a breath. "I'm also a orphan. I snuck out of my foster home today to come for the show. Potential adopters always bring me back or give me up. I'm kind of used to it at this point. I was the only survivor of a car accident when I was 2. My parents and my older brother died on impact,"she told me. "Damn, I'm so sorry,"I replied. "So, are you going to tell me about the self harm?"I asked. Sara's eyes got really wide. "It's okay. I didn't mean to be so blunt. I struggle with depression and anxiety too,"I told Sara in the hopes she would open up to me.

"I was hoping you wouldn't notice,"she mumbled. "Why's that?"I asked. "Because it's embarrassing,"she said. "Sara, listen to me, it's anything but embarrassing. It's so important. Mental health is so important. Staying alive is also important. Promise me you'll try to get better?,"I told her. She nodded. Andy came back then. "Hey, babe, do you mind taking us back to the bus?"I asked. Andy shrugged trusting my judgement. Arriving back at the bus we found it empty so we started playing Mario Kart. I walked to the back to take some meds to help clear my lungs because I was going to shows again later. Meanwhile, I texted the guys while I took a treatment.

When the treatment was done I snuck outside to meet them. "So, I know this is asking a lot because like y'all just took me on and I can be a lot to handle. But I met this girl today. Her name is Sara. She's in a shitty foster home and she struggles with self harm. I really really think y'all could help her. Would on of you be open to adopting her or know anyone that could?"I asked giving them the puppy eyes. I know Alex can't refuse those.

"I'll do it,"Jack blurted out. We all looked at him. "I know it's crazy. And I'm a little immature but it's not like you and her won't be friends Morgs. She'll probably be over with you and Alex a lot,"he said. "Are you positive, Jack?"Alex asked. He nodded. So he and Alex went off to find her foster home and start the process while I kept this huge secret until they got back. Sara's eyes got really wide when the boys came onto the bus. She looked at her phone realizing the time and was about to run when I put out a hand to stop her. "I take it you're Sara?"Rian asked. Sara just nodded with wide eyes. "Sara! I'm Jack. I'm your new dad. But you can call me what you want!"Jack blurted out. Sara ran to give him a hug. "What about my things?"she asked minutes later. "We'll get them later before the buses leave!"Rian announced before Jack went to show her the bunks and clear one for her.

A/N: hey y'all! It feels good to write again. I'm sorry updates are inconsistent. I'm working and have a lot going on personally but I'm trying! I hope y'all are having a good summer so far! Much love!

B