The Landy Chronicles - Andy Hurley, Fall out boy fanfic

9: Andy

Chapter pic courtesy of PTX-FOB_lover2014

Three’s a crowd; four’s a mob – Andy

It was well into the early hours of the morning when I heard a car pull up outside the house. I stayed where I was. I had had a few instances where I’d heard cars coming down the road and rushed out excitedly hoping it was Lainey and it turning out to be just a passer-by. This time my patience was rewarded when I heard the door from the garage opening into the house. There were two voices, one was Lainey’s and the other I didn’t recognise. I went out into the lounge to see who she was with.

To my surprise, at Lainey’s close side was a teenage girl with striking features and even more striking black hair with fuchsia bangs. Now I was even more confused. I wondered if this was another relative coming out of the woodworks but decided to play it cool. “Lainey I’m so happy you’re home safe, I’ve been waiting for you. Hi, I’m Andy, Lainey’s boyfriend. Thank you for keeping her company while she was away.”

I held my hand out to the girl, and she reciprocated with a shake and introduced herself minimally. “Hey, I’m Raven. Everyone calls me Rave. And it was really my pleasure. Uhm, Lainey, I think maybe I should get out of here for a little bit. Is there a room I can crash in?”

Lainey smiled at Rave widely. “Sure but don’t get too comfortable in it because it’s not going to stay the same for too long. We’ll sort all of that out when we get out of bed, which I think is going to be a lot later today, okay honey?”

The girl gave Lainey a tight hug and Lainey pointed her to our second and largest guest room with the ensuite bathroom and walk-in cupboard similar to ours. We used it for couples staying over. I was confused why this sounded permanent but I knew we’d get to it eventually. I waited until Lainey got back and a few minutes later, she returned, arms folded and looking down as if she knew what was coming. “Lanes, I am so sorry for the way everything happened and I genuinely mean that. I understand that this is a lot to take in all at once and you’re probably overwhelmed but please, don’t let this be what ends our relationship. We can compromise. Or we can wait a while and see where things head and then discuss the options.”

Lainey nodded. “I just needed a bit of space and some clarity and also, there’s something we should discuss.”

I waited for Lainey to continue. “Rave is a 17 year old orphan I met tonight at a road stop. She’s been working as a waitress there to support herself and put herself through home schooling.  I am going to adopt her. I’d like it if you were on-board with this and maybe even if we adopted her as a Hurley. The adoption process would go a lot smoother if the Foster Care Association knew there are two parents involved. I think this is a good thing for you and I – you wanted children and we have the perfect opportunity to make a difference in the life of an outstanding girl. You don’t have to decide right now; spend some time with her and see how great she is.”

My jaw had been steadily dropping as Lainey had been speaking. Yes, this was a shock but an extremely happy one. “Yes! Fuck, of course yes! I couldn’t be happier! She looks so cool and I can’t wait to get to know her let alone be her dad!”

My tone had raised out of excitement. Rave had obviously heard this because the next thing I heard was Lainey’s sister Tara saying: “Oh my God! I’m an aunt?”

Lainey looked at her coldly but didn’t ignore her. “Yes Tara. Andy and I are adopting a daughter until we have had a bit more time together and decide what the future holds for us. If you can be a better aunt than you were a step sister then I’m sure she’d be glad to have more family since she has none.”

I was surprised at how Lainey was handling things. Earlier had been dicey but now it was almost like the time to herself had helped her cool off and think things through. Tara also seemed wary of it but continued. “Where is she? Can I meet her?”

I answered for Lainey. “Rave has gone to sleep it looks like, I don’t know how she slept through all of this though. Kid must be dog tired.”

Lainey answered that for me. “Well, she did just finish work and probably had school during the day so I can imagine she would be exhausted but I know that she told me she has a prescription for sleeping medication she needs to get filled monthly. That’s another thing I’ll arrange for while she’s settling in.”

Tara looked happier than I’d seen her look ever. “This is so great! Why don’t you three sort everything out with her and spend some time together tomorrow while I’m at work and then hopefully by the time I come back tomorrow night I’ll have an idea of where I can go from here. I really appreciate the kindness you and Andy have shown me and I hope we can reconnect Lainey, and you’ll let me explain all those years to you.”

Lainey looked at her sister again, coldly but softened. “Yeah, okay. As soon as everything sinks in then we can do that.”

It looked like there would be an extended Hurley / Crane clan after all.